'Tops Totes for Change' raises over $248,000 for charities - all while reducing carbon footprint

Launched in September of 2019, “Tops Totes for Change” encourages shoppers to purchase a reusable bag with a special charity design for $1.99, with $1 of the proceeds donated back to four local community organization. To date, the program has helped raise $248,139 for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), United Way, Feeding America, and Children’s Miracle Network. Within those organizations, the funds are benefitting area local chapters including children’s hospitals and food banks.

“But the program has done much more than give back to these worthwhile organizations,” a press release stated. “It helps the company stay true to its environmental commitment of reducing its carbon footprint. In 2020 alone, Tops reduced its use of plastic bags and film by 647 tons. Since the plastic bag ban was enforced in July of 2020 in NYS and Vermont, Tops was pleased to see an escalation of sales in the ‘Tops Totes for Change’ bags.”

“Our consumers have a wide array of reusable bags to choose from that consist of cloth and recycled materials, which can easily and economically be purchased at the store. To see consumers, make the choice however, to give back to these charities by purchasing a ‘Tops Totes for Change’ bag is truly heartwarming,” said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops.

To learn more about Tops sustainability efforts, visit https://www.topsmarkets.com/Sustainability/.

Tops Markets LLC is headquartered in Williamsville and operates 157 full-service supermarkets with five additional franchise stores and is the largest private, for-profit employer in Western New York. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com.