Kroger donates to Samaritan Outreach Services

As a result of the Hillsboro Kroger's ongoing remodeling, the store recently donated four commercial produce coolers to Samaritan Outreach Services, and the kindness did not end there, according to the nonprofit's executive director.

Because of the size of some of the units, they could only be removed from the loading dock of the store, said Wade Hamilton, executive director for Samaritan Outreach Services.

"Lerch's Barnlot literally saved the day by bringing its tractor-trailer-sized flatbed truck to the store, transporting the coolers to Samaritan, and then using their fork lift to move them into the building," Hamilton said.

He also said that Rick's Hometown Appliance and Aaron's helped the organization earlier in the month with the smaller units.

"Having so many area businesses come together to support a project like this at Samaritan Outreach is inspiring,” Hamilton said. “In times of need, our county and community always seem to come together, no matter what the circumstances. It's one of the best parts of living in a community this size."

Having these new energy-efficient units at Samaritan will not only help the organization keep larger amounts of produce fresh for clients, but will hopefully help them eliminate the five household refrigerators they currently use, Hamilton said.

“Getting rid of these energy hogs will hopefully bring down our utility costs and allow Samaritan to purchase more food,” he said. "We just can't thank the Kroger company enough.”