Harris Teeter Aiding Families of Charleston Tragedy

Harris Teeter has launched an in-store donation card campaign, Support Charleston, to help families who lost loved ones in the June 17 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, commonly known as Mother Emanuel, in the South Carolina city. As part of the campaign, the Matthews, N.C.-based grocer said it would match in-store donations up to at least $30,000. The initiative will run through July 24.

Charleston-area shoppers can donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout in support of the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund and Lowcountry Ministries – Reverend Pinckney Fund. All proceeds from the in-store campaign, as well as Harris Teeter's additional donation, will be split evenly between the two organizations, which will provide direct financial support to the families of the victims, in addition to aiding various community projects and local initiatives concerning Mother Emanuel, at-risk populations and youth projects.

"This is a devastating incident, and we are heartbroken for the families of the victims, the church members [and] the entire Charleston community," said Danna Robinson, Harris Teeter's communication manager. "Harris Teeter's commitment to the Charleston community runs deep, and in an effort to support this vibrant community during this difficult time, our area family of stores is proud to offer shoppers an opportunity to support their neighbors."

Nine people died in the shooting, which occurred at a Wednesday bible study meeting, including the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the church's pastor and a state senator.

Harris Teeter, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kroger Co., in Cincinnati, operates more than 230 stores and one fuel center in eight states and the District of Columbia.