Hannaford Helps Utica Area Schools

There's a simple way you could help your local school receive money for much needed supplies - shop for the things you already buy at Hannaford. It's their "Hannaford Helps Schools" program and it's going on now through December 2, 2017.

When you buy any 4 qualifying products at Hannaford, they will automatically print out a coupon for "$3 School Dollars". You put that in your school's slot at the collection tower and that amount gets donated to the school. Plus, the area school that collects the most receipts gets an extra $1000 donation from Hannaford. Sounds like an easy fundraising idea, so we did some research to find out exactly how much this helps the Utica areas' schools.

In 2016 lots of local schools participated and benefited tremendously from the program. Hopefully they will all be involved again this year - you can find the full list of schools at Hannaford's website.

They make it easy to find qualifying products. Just look for this tag on the shelves when you're shopping. They say you'll find it on over 1500 products they carry, from yogurt to cleaning supplies, lunches and dinners, snacks, coffee, baking supplies and more. There's a full list on their website. When you buy any 4 of these items, your "School Dollars" coupon will print out along with your receipt at check out. If you buy 8 items, you'll receive 2 $3 school vouchers. Look for the tower on your way out, and drop it in your school's slot. Here are the schools represented at the Washington Mills store (50 Kellogg Rd, New Hartford):

• Mt Markham Central School
• ER Hughes Elementary
• Sauquoit Valley Elementary
• Faith Christian School, Bridgewater
• Town of Webb School, Old Forge

Schools pick which store they want to to be in, so you will have to do a little digging to find your school. But the good news is, you can take the receipt from one store and drop it off in the kiosk at another store. If you don't have any kids in school, pick any school you want to benefit from the program - it doesn't take anything more on your part. There are Hannaford locations in Washington Mills, New Hartford, Clinton, Herkimer and Utica.

The program runs through December 2, so try it out the next time you're at Hannaford.

BONUS VIDEO