BOISE, Idaho -- Efforts to stop domestic violence have once again benefited from the generosity of Jacksons customers and Jacksons Food Stores Inc. A total of $152,846 ($76,423 from customers with a 100% match from Jacksons) was donated to the annual "Give the Gift of Peace" Campaign.
The campaign consisted of selling a paper Dove for $1 and raises funds for the prevention of domestic violence and dating violence through community awareness, and also provides free legal civil services to victims. Jacksons sold doves in all four states in which it operates. The money stays in the state in which it was collected.
The totals by state:
- Washington $58,846.
- Idaho $53,392.
- Oregon $29,058.
- Nevada $13,550.
"Jacksons Food Stores is pleased to support this important campaign to prevent domestic violence again this year. The community awareness and money that our customers provide (and we match) makes a difference. Despite the difficult economy, our customers have generously responded to increase the level of support for victims of domestic violence in the Northwest. The total raised this year is $152,846--a new record," the company said.
Through the "Give the Gift of Peace" Campaign, a $1 dove was available from Thanksgiving through December 31 for customers to purchase and contribute to the cause. Employees at the Jacksons Food Store in Boise sold the most Doves, selling 3,560 doves.
Since 2003, Jacksons customers and Jacksons Food Stores have raised more than $500,000 to combat domestic violence, with 2011 being the highest total in the program's history.
"This campaign is an extraordinary and unprecedented community partnership to end domestic violence led by the vision and generosity of John Jackson, the Jackson Food Store family, and their loyal customers," said Kelly Miller, Executive Director, Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence. "John Jackson's commitment to end domestic violence in relationships, homes and communities is a bold reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, and we thank him and his entire team for their gift of peace."
"Idaho had twenty domestic violence related deaths last year, an alarming and sobering number of deaths when one is too many," said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who is sponsoring the renewal of the Federal Violence Against Women Act. "Domestic violence related fatalities have increased 61% in the last two years. With so many losses and lives forever impacted, the awareness and assistance improved by the efforts of Idahoans, Jacksons Food Stores and the Idaho Coalition are critically needed and appreciated."
The Idaho Partners Against Domestic Violence will distribute the funds to the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence (Idaho Coalition) for a teen dating violence prevention project and to Idaho Legal Aid Services and the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program to provide free legal assistance to Idaho victims of domestic violence.
Jacksons Food Stores, Meridian, Idaho, was founded in Idaho in 1975 as a single service station. It has grown to be a nationally recognized chain of more than 200 stores in four western states. The company is the fifth largest privately held corporation in the state, and has been widely recognized for its support of community and charity projects for local businesses and organizations.
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