Shop for Groceries, Earn Rewards for Local Schools

Saucon Valley Elementary School earned $5,123.37 last year--money that helped support technology, school programs, field trips, playgrounds, scholarships and other education-related needs.

Coming up with that kind of money isn't easy. It only takes an army of grocery shoppers.

Oh, it is that easy.

Since 2005, Giant Food Stores has donated $13 million to 2,500 public and private schools through its A+ School Rewards program, which will return for the 2012-13 school year on Oct. 7.

According to www.giantfoodstores.com, A+ School Rewards are points that accrue with each purchase using the BonusCard, kind of like gas points. At the end of each month the A+ School Rewards are used in a calculation to determine your school's cash total, which is then automatically credited to your school's account.

Customers can support up to two schools.

Schools in the Saucon Valley School District are enrolled. In addition to the elementary school, the schools' totals for the 2011-12 school year were:

• $1,816.77 - Saucon Valley Middle School
• $1,069.86 - St. Theresa School
• $583.73 - Saucon Valley High School
• $461.33 - Christian Learning Center
• $338.22 - Red Door Early Learning Center

There is no restriction on what schools can do with their A+ School Rewards and the program runs until March 30. Last year's top-earning school in Mechanicsburg earned more than $20,000, according to Giant.

To register your BonusCard, visit www.giantfoodstores.com/aplus.