Meijer stores from across Chicagoland recently came together to support women and girls in their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns and economic distress heightened many existing issues in communities, many of which have disproportionately impacted women and girls. Knowing this, our Chicago teams recently made investments in providing local women and girls with safety, support and development.
First, our Evergreen Park store donated $5,000 to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Our contribution will support their Access for All Girls program, making it possible for girls in marginalized communities facing socio-economic disadvantages to be Girl Scouts. The program focuses on helping girls build resiliency and develop important life skills that will help them overcome the additional systemic challenges they face.
“It’s very important for every young girl to have the opportunity to join the Girl Scouts,” Store Director Tammy Macak said. “The scouts offer a foundation for little girls and our younger generation to learn teamwork, develop self-confidence and have exposure to many things outside of their own community. It’s a great beginning for many young girls who will become our future leaders.”
Meanwhile, our Algonquin, McHenry and Round Lake Beach stores joined forces to donate $3,000 to Turning Point Domestic Violence Services. Turning Point provides intervention services, emergency shelter and a 24-hour helpline for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as prevention training.
Organizations like Turning Point are more vital in our communities than ever as the pandemic drove more families into close quarters under increased stress.
We’re pleased to be able to support women and girls across our Chicago community.