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SMART Receives Grant of $40,000

From the Fred Meyer Fund

18 February 2010, Portland, Ore. – SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) announced today it has received a grant totaling $40,000 from the Fred Meyer Fund for SMART in Warrenton, Coos Bay and Roseburg to provide one-on-one literacy support for K-3 children.

SMART is a nonprofit that envisions an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed. Our mission is to engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families.  The Fred Meyer Fund support will enable SMART to serve children in Warrenton, Coos Bay and Roseburg.

“The Fred Meyer Fund was particularly impressed by the successful track record of SMART and its programs,” said Glynda Brockhoof, philanthropy coordinator for Fred Meyer stores and the Fred Meyer Fund, said.  “We hope this grant will help SMART continue the important work it is doing to enrich the health of the community.  We are proud to be part of the (city name) community and are committed to helping where we can.”

The Fred Meyer Fund assists nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping children and reducing hunger in communities served by 130 Fred Meyer stores in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Idaho.  In 2008, the Fred Meyer Fund awarded $1.3 million in grants.

About Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer is a division of The Kroger Co., which is one of the nation’s largest food retailers. Fred Meyer contributes more than $8 million to communities across the Northwest each year through grants from the Fred Meyer Fund as well as product donations, cash donations and sponsorships.  The Fred Meyer Fund has awarded grants totaling over $10 million since it began awarding grants in December 1998. For more information call 1-800-858-9202, ext. 5605.

About SMART® (Start Making A Reader Today)
SMART is a nonprofit that envisions an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed. We engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families. Since 1992, thousands of SMART volunteers have been inspiring little readers through storytelling. Together with support from the community, we are building brighter futures for Oregonians big and small. Volunteer or donate today. Visit www.getsmartoregon.org or call 1-877-598-4633.