The will to give

Bashas' reputation for philanthropy is such that charitable organizations often approach the retailer first to get corporate donations—as well as donations from its customers. The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, for instance, went straight to Bashas' to seek aid for the areas that were devastated by last year's tsunami.

"Over the years Bashas' has been quick to provide valuable support to Red Cross disaster relief efforts throughout Arizona," a chapter spokeswoman noted in the Phoenix newspaper West Phoenix View. "This partnership shows that the care and concern Bashas' has extends beyond our state to people in need around the world, many of whom have family here in Arizona."

Bashas' customers ended up raising $167,794 for the tsunami relief effort.

One of the retailer's primary vehicles of giving is its "Thanks A Million" program, which allows shoppers to use their Bashas' "Thank You" loyalty cards to donate money to schools, churches, or other nonprofit charities they choose. The retailer links a group ID number to the shopper's card, so every time a purchase is made, a donation goes to charity. For its part, Bashas' donates 1 percent of the total sales linked to a group, up to a $2,500 donation. In 2004 the program donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to Arizona schools, churches, and nonprofits.

All Bashas' banners recognize a "Charity of the Month" throughout the year, allowing customers to make donations. Some charities that have been included in the past are Partnership for a Drug-Free Arizona, March of Dimes, Special Olympics, and City of Hope. Other charitable programs that Bashas' organizes throughout the year include an annual Golf Classic benefit tournament and a seasonal food drive.

Following the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Bashas' helped raise funds for a monument built in Phoenix by selling bumper stickers and $5 pins that honored the victims of the attacks, as well as sponsoring a 9/11 Used Cell Phone Collection.

In addition to the generosity of its customers, Bashas' employees are quite giving of their money—and time. Every month about 40 Bashas' store directors and staff members volunteer at local social-service organizations such as homeless shelters or food banks. Associates have also banded together to participate in charity events such as the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association.