Meijer’s is donating $1,000 to buy toys for kids served by the Salvation Army and Hearts of Gold.  Its press release follows:

“SHOP WITH A HERO” AT MEIJER IN ALGONQUIN

Children are invited to shop with members of the Marine Corps League of McHenry County

Meijer continues to spread good cheer this holiday season as they present “Shop with a Hero” at the Meijer in Algonquin, located at 400 South Randall Road, on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.

The hero of the day is Buck Vander Leest, member of the Marine Corps League of McHenry County, who will be dressed in his Marine jacket as he shops for toys to donate to charity. Buck will be utilizing $1000 worth of gift cards, donated by Meijer, to purchase gifts for children of all ages that benefit from the Toys for Tots program.

The merchandise will be donated to support the Toys for Tots program at Hearts of Gold and the Salvation Army in Crystal Lake, among other charities within the community.

Buck, who lives less than a mile from the Algonquin Meijer, will have help from his wife and daughter, who will be there to assist him in selecting the perfect present for any child. Buck states,

“I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to bring happiness to the children in my community. The kids will be very excited on Christmas morning and that’s what the season is all about – spreading joy.”