Adopt-A-Unit
In November 2006, Checksmart employees packed over 350 individual care boxes for two marine units in Iraq. The boxes were shipped in November for arrival by the holidays. The goal was for each marine to have a box to open. Checksmart began the Adopt-A-Unit program in 2004, with one marine unit and now we supply two. Along with the individual holiday boxes, Checksmart sends bulk shipments to each unit every 5-6 weeks.

From Marine unit ... You all went way beyond anything we have ever experienced. Thanks to all of you and have a merry Christmas. Semper Fi, “Mac”

MDA
Checksmart has been a supporter of the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy for 10 years. In 2007 every store will be selling the shamrocks to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2006 we raised almost $14,000 in our Ohio and Arizona markets. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a voluntary national healthcare agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for over 43 neuromuscular diseases. MDA serves over a million patients throughout the nation through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and professional and public health education. MDA is efficient, accountable and consistently recognized by Money Magazine as one of The Top Ten Best Charities, expending more than 76% of all income on program services. The Association is a non-United Way funded organization relying almost entirely on charitable contributions from the community at large.

Toy for Tots
November 2006. The central Ohio Checksmart corporate office collected boxes of Toys during this holiday season’s Toys For Tots drive. The Toys For Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys during December each year and distributes those toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the Columbus community. The United States Marines Corp coordinates the collection and distribution of the toys with help from local media partners and corporations. Thank you to all of those who made this holiday season a little brighter for the local area children.

Santa Cop Program
December 2006. Checksmart donated $1,200.00 this year for the Santa Cop Program. From Harry Twiford, President, Fraternal Order of Police, Commodore Lodge #3, Norfolk, Virginia. ... I have been conducting this program for eight years at our lodge and your company is the first that has made this generous of a donation. It is most refreshing to find a company that is so willing to give back and help those less fortunate in their community. Your support helped us provide a memorable Christmas for nine young children that would have received very little, if anything at all, for Christmas.

Habitat for Humanity Peninsula
Checksmart was pleased to be one of the sponsors of the Habitat for Humanity house in Newport News, Virginia. Checksmart donated funds as well as employee volunteers to build the home. The ground breaking ceremony took place August 21, 2006. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. To date, Habitat for Humanity as an organization has built over 145,000 homes for low-income people in 89 countries. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula is a nonprofit organization and is dedicated to the exercise of faith in action by building and selling safe, decent, affordable houses and communities in partnership with low-income families in Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg and York County, Virginia.

Red Cross
The American Red Cross Blood Services in the Arizona Region must collect approximately 2,100 donations weekly. Checksmart sponsors periodic blood drives and has helped ensure that there is an adequate blood supply to meet patients’ needs in the Arizona region and nationally.

From the Red Cross... Your drive was a great success and because of your hard work, it helped us collect more than our original goal! We appreciate the amount of work that goes into every successful blood drive; please remember that your efforts have helped save patients’ lives.

Children's Hunger Alliance -Feeding hungry minds and bodies
Children’s Hunger Alliance’s mission to eliminate childhood hunger in Ohio was launched more than 30 years ago. Today they are one of the state’s largest anti-hunger agencies providing meals to tens of thousands of children in Ohio each year. Checksmart was a Sustainer Sponsor in the 2007 Menu of Hope Luncheon. Proceeds to benefit Children’s Hunger Alliance’s Endowment Fund. The fund was created twelve years ago with the inception of the Menu of Hope luncheon to ensure our ability to provide nutritious meals and services to children throughout Ohio for more years to come.

The Urban League of Greater Cleveland
Checksmart donated $15,000 to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland for its Youth Learn and Save Program. A pilot program using FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum, helping high school youth in Cleveland understand the importance of building a strong financial future. Some of the concepts students in this program will learn: The basics of banking, how to build and maintain good credit, money management skills and the basics of investment.

Hurricane Katrina
Checksmart recently raised $19,775.83 from their generous customers and employees to help victims of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. Checksmart pledged to match all donations 100% during the collection drive bringing the total dollar amount to $39,551.66. The money raised will be used to purchase specified items such as microwaves, mattresses, cleaning supplies, fans, school desks and several other supplies. Items have been distributed by The Christ Methodist Church located in Jackson, Mississippi.