Miller's Market continues giving spirit by donating to local nonprofits

NORWALK — Thanks in part to a company-wide program dubbed "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," Miller's Market recently donated $1,083 in gift cards to both the Norwalk Area Food Bank and the Salvation Army. Half of the $2,166 came from customer donations, which were encouraged by displays set up around Miller's Market's Whittlesey Avenue location. The other half comes from Miller's itself, which pledged to match all customer donations up to $1,000 at all of its locations. Store manager Dave Hisey has worked for the grocery chain for 36 years. Throughout that time, he said the company has always looked for ways to help its community. "That's just how they've always been," Hisey said. "The owner has always encouraged us to help out the communities when we can." Robin Bleile, who accepted Miller's gift card on behalf of the food bank, said she appreciates the support Miller's and the rest of the community has provided to people who need it throughout the pandemic. "It's really been great," Bleile said. "We've had a lot of support from the community. We have people that stop in once a week and give us grocery donations. We've been able to keep our shelves pretty full." Captain John Esker from The Salvation Army echoed Bleile's sentiments. People have been so generous during the pandemic, he said, that it doesn't have any glaring needs right now. "It's an odd thing to say this, but we're actually doing very well right now," Esker said. "We've had an overwhelming response of support from people like Miller's. We have independent donors that have been much more generous (than usual) due to the pandemic." Esker also mentioned The Salvation Army will partner with Miller's for the grocery store's rib cookouts this summer. Both the food bank and The Salvation Army are funded in part by the Norwalk Area United Fund.