Pine Island Elementary wins as Winn-Dixie raises $2,000 for school
Although originally Winn-Dixie had planned to offer customers the option of rounding up or donating to the school of their choice for only two weeks, beginning July 28, the company increased the time limit by a week, ending Aug. 17, making it easier for each store to reach their goals.
Local Pine Island Winn-Dixie had a goal set by store manager Dan Loughren of $2,000, and the school receiving the donation would, of course, be Pine Island Elementary.
“The Pine Island Elementary donation program that we did for three weeks raised $2,087.35,” said Loughren. “We hit our goal of $2,000 due to our awesome customers.”
Loughren said “we” want to thank all of our great customers, because offering consistent service is something he attributes to being a team-effort, as he said he considers the Pine Island store a resource for the community and always credits his staff for its dedication to the island. Commitment and generosity from the staff and customers alike ensures a check for over $2,000 will go to Pine Island Elementary School to offset whatever needs it has. It’s not inconceivable that Loughren’s can-do attitude toward the people of Pine Island has influenced Winn-Dixie, as a corporation, to encourage other store managers toward getting involved with the customers in their communities.
“Winn-Dixie has really stepped up as far as their community involvement,” said Loughren. “We always did a lot out here, but this was really cool with the donation for a local school — especially for us.”
Loughren opens his arms to island newcomers, adding that he hopes to share community involvement with the new island store as it arrives, as well.
“It doesn’t matter where it comes from, as long as it helps people,” Loughren said. “We’re not in any competition with anybody, we just want to do our part.”
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC, please email pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com