The “Round Up” program, which asked customers of local stores to donate their change to the Soboleff-McRae Veterans Village and Wellness Center, raised about $3,000 for the project.
Nine businesses participated in the program, which ran from Oct. 7 to Dec. 31. Cashiers asked customers whether they wanted to “round up” their purchase total to the nearest dollar, with the change benefiting development of the Veterans Village currently under construction on Second Avenue and Dalton Street.
Tara Bicknell, a community relations representative for the facility, said the program was created to allow both businesses and residents to easily participate.
“It was a new fundraising idea that was designed to easily involve anyone in the community, no matter how much they had to give. It also involved our stores without needing them to donate profits or product,” Bicknell said.
Proceeds from the program will help pave the parking lot and sidewalks, which are not covered by current funding.
“Some of the program’s biggest successes turned out to be the awareness it raised, the opportunity it gave residents to ask questions about the project and the impression it had on outside donors, that our stores and shoppers are community-minded,” Bicknell said.
The wait list application for the Veterans Village is currently available at www.hainesveteransvillage.org/apply. Call 766-3027 for more information.