Kinsley’s holds cancer fundraiser

Sept. 16--Customers at Kinsley'sShopRite in Brodheadsville will get more than just a good deal today, as the market continues an event that has become a 20-year-tradition, Grocers Fight Against Cancer Day.

Starting at 6 a.m. today and going to midnight, Kinsley's will donate 5 percent of customers' grocery orders to the American Cancer Society's Monroe Unit.

They will mark the day with entertainment for kids, local "celebrity" baggers throughout the day, and drawings for free groceries.

Kinsley's controller, Lori Fernandez, said the event has grown tremendously since it began 20 years ago. In the first year, they raised $3,000. Last year, they raised $17,500.

"We try every year to make it better," she said. "Every year, we always say, 'We're going to do one dollar more.'"

One big draw for the event are the "celebrity" baggers. Throughout the day, locals ranging from insurance agents to legislators -- Mario Scavello is a regular -- will bag groceries.

Lisa Hoey, from the American Cancer Society, said the bagging is an especially great way to get the community involved. She also commended Kinsley's for its continued support of the cancer society.

"It's really a great community event," she said. "It also gives all the volunteers a great opportunity to be celebrity baggers."

Fernandez added there is plenty for kids to do as well -- face painting, pony rides plus raffles for kids and adults. All of it will be available throughout the day.

"It's very busy -- our parking lot will be packed," she said.

Fernandez pointed out that because the event isn't limited to one type of cancer, it brings out people who have been touched by a wide range of cancers.

"It's the whole gamut," she said. "Everybody has known somebody that has some type of cancer."

___

(c)2014 the Pocono Record, Stroudsburg, Pa.

Visit the Pocono Record, Stroudsburg, Pa. at http://www.poconorecord.com/

Distributed by MCT Information Services