A Place with a Spirit of Giving

In 1930, George W. Jenkins founded the first Publix Super Market in Winter Haven, Fla. Now boasting over 800 stores in five states and Fortune 500-status, the super market chain is the go-to grocer for South Floridians. But their role is much more than selling food and drinks. Publix has become an advocate for the community in which it dwells, becoming a true neighbor to those customers it serves.

Throughout the years, Publix has heavily invested in its communities. Through extensive charitable donations, Publix has backed national charities such as the United Way, March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network and Special Olympics. But perhaps what is more impressive—and more significant—is the store’s active participation within these and other local organizations. They have taken the stance that there can be more to giving than simply donating dollars.

According to Anne Hendricks, media and community relations manager for Publix’s Miami division, which includes stores from Key West to Roseland (just north of Vero Beach), “It’s one thing to just write a check. Our founder believed in being involved in the community. You have to be active in the community to fully appreciate where you’ve come from, where you are, where you’re going and who you’re serving.”

On Feb. 15, during the United Way of Broward County’s Day of Caring, Publix epitomized its stance on community relations. It acted as an event sponsor, and more importantly, more than 200 of its Broward County employees donned T-shirts and work gloves to get their hands dirty at the Peter Pan Child Development Center in Pompano Beach. They cleaned, painted and mulched the property. They also provided all the food and beverages for the day’s work.

Cynthia McDuffy, from Peter Pan, said that Publix has lived up to its promise of offering assistance. “People will say that they will come and help, but never do. People will volunteer, but you can tell that they don’t want to be there, that their employer put it upon them. That was not the case with Publix employees. They did it with a good spirit. You could tell it came straight from the heart. I’m blessed to know that there are still people around that care.”

That caring goes a long way. The Miami division supports 10,000 schools and non-profits. “That’s what we’re here for, and it all goes back to the culture and philosophy we were founded on. From the very first dollar he (Jenkins) made, he started giving back to the community. That’s where this whole culture of caring started,” Hendricks said. She added that Jenkins and his family have steered donations toward their passions: youth, education (literacy), hunger, homelessness and the United Way.

In 1995, Publix created its Food For All holiday program, which targets many of the Jenkins family’s passions. Through Miami division employees’ and customers’ $1, $3 and $5 donations, millions of dollars have been raised. “Since ’95, customers and associates have given nearly $6.5 million dollars to local charities to focus on anti-hunger, job creation and self-help. All the money stays local,” said Hendricks.

This year, in the Miami division, Food For All raised $879,656.40. Monies raised will be donated to 42 charities in South Florida on March 20. Checks will be presented to charities such as the Daily Bread Food Bank and Farm Share, Inc. And Food For All will return this fall—immediately following Thanksgiving, continuing through December—much to the delight of employees and customers.

In the upcoming weeks, Publix will be involved in a number of community programs. Look for Publix employees to be participating in all of the March of Dimes’ WalkAmerica events throughout the region. And for customers visiting the Publix at 1920 West Ave. in Miami, watch where you step, because there will be 91 children working in the store as part of KAPOW: Kids and the Power of Work. It’s all just a part of Publix’s belief, which Hendricks summarized as, “It’s not always about monetary support. It’s about people.”

BREAKOUT QUOTE/SIDE BAR

George W. Jenkins founded Publix with the spirit of giving in mind. He was once asked, “If you hadn’t given away so much, how much do you think you would be worth today?”

His response, without hesitation: “Probably nothing.”