Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: Fred's Super Dollar Fundraiser Benefits Piggott Departments (12/13/12)

On hand for the Fred's Super Dollar "Hero Hats" check presentation Monday, Dec. 10 were, from left--Piggott Assistant Fire Chief Brian Haley, store employee Deanna Robinson and Piggott Police Chief Bill Alstadt. A check for $880.56 was presented to each of the two departments thanks to the store's annual 9/11 campaign.

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Each year since 2002, Fred's Super Dollar stores have commemorated the fallen heroes of 9/11 through a fundraiser for the emergency teams that serve their store locations. The campaign was successful again this year, with Fred's Super Dollar donating a total chain wide of over $335,631 to local emergency teams across their regions. This marked a seven percent increase over 2011. To raise the funds local Fred's Super Dollar stores sold "Hero Hats" for $1, with all proceeds going to selected emergency teams around store locations. In addition, all operating profits from store sales on Sept. 11 were also donated.

The Fred's Super Dollar store in Piggott took part in the campaign and generated over $1,760. On Monday, Dec. 10, a presentation was held at the local store and checks were given to both the Piggott Police Department and Piggott Fire Department. On hand to accept the donations were Piggott Police Chief Bill Alstadt and Piggott Assistant Fire Chief Brian Haley. Joining in the presentation was local Fred's employee Deanna Robinson, who was instrumental in selling the "Hero Hats" locally.

Both Haley and Alstadt offered their thanks to Fred's Super Dollar store for its assistance, and indicated the funds would be used for safety equipment for their departments.

Since the promotion began in 2002, Fred's Super Dollar has raised and donated more than $2 million for local fire, police and sheriff's departments.

"Hero Hats" are personal signs that customers pay one dollar to sign and hang in the window of their local Fred's Super Dollar in visible support of their local emergency teams. District managers in each market then select the designated emergency organizations that will benefit, generally the response teams who would come to the store in the event of an emergency.

"Our Hero Hats program has been a way for us to remember the tragic events of Sept.11, honor all fallen heroes and show our appreciation for the emergency teams who continue to save lives every day," said Ursula Roman, Fred's marketing director. "We hope the emergency teams found it inspiring to see the 'Hero Hats' hanging in the window in their honor, and that the money raised will be helpful to their needs. We are touched and inspired by the way our customers continue to show their gratitude by their involvement in this program."

Fred's Super Dollar operates more than 700 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised Fred's stores in 15 states in the Southeastern United States.