For Immediate Release

Sanford, N.C. chosen for launch of 22nd Annual Easter Seals Shop&Care Program

Press conference and kickoff with The Cheerios Kids on Thursday, February 14

RALEIGH, N.C. ... 

Sanford, North Carolina was chosen as the official launch site of the 2013 Shop&Care program. Each year, this one month campaign benefits over 100,000 individuals with disabilities. Press conference and kickoff ceremonies will take place Thursday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. Children from Easter Seals Stepping Stones Children's Center will meet LEO the Lion. Hometown celebrities Faith and Isaiah, "The Cheerios Kids", will autograph boxes of Cheerios adorned with their pictures.

Location: Food Lion, 2581 Hawkins Avenue, Sanford, N.C. (Scott Douglas, Store Manager)

This year marks the 22nd annual Easter Seals Shop&Care program at Food Lion stores where shoppers can purchase specially-marked products from more than 100 manufacturers to support the nonprofit's mission to help children, families and adults with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. Since 1991, Easter Seals has partnered with Food Lion and raised more than $33 million to support Easter Seals services.

Between February 13 and March 12, Food Lion shoppers may make a $1 donation during checkout. Last year, shoppers overwhelmingly shared their support by contributing a record $4.5 million to the campaign. To provide an extra incentive to shoppers who donate to Easter Seals at the register, shoppers will receive a money-saving coupon booklet from Proctor & Gamble and Kraft Foods with $9.50 in coupons. In addition, shoppers can purchase specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals and General Mills will make an additional donation to Easter Seals, up to $50,000. When cases of Food Lion's store brand, My Essentials, water is purchased, Food Lion will make an additional donation, up to $250,000.

Easter Seals ensures all funds raised remain within the local communities to benefit residents living with disabilities.

"We are grateful to the Food Lion family, and especially their customers, for making a difference in the lives of children, adults and families managing disabilities and mental health challenges," said Connie L. Cochran, President and CEO of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia. "Our 22-year partnership is evidence that Food Lion is a great corporate citizen and is passionate about making a difference in local communities."

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading, national non-profit provider of services for individuals living with autism, developmental, physical and mental disabilities and other special needs. For 90 years Easter Seals has offered help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities and to the families who love them. For more information, visit http://www.shopandcare.com.

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CONTACT:

Amy Beros, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

(919) 865-8840

amy.beros (at) eastersealsucp (dot) com