Monday, July 7, 2025
Rescuing Families Inc., a Franklin Square-based nonprofit, is named “Give Back” charity of the month at the Stop and Shop on Franklin Avenue, in Franklin Square, for the month of April.
Proceeds generated from the program will go toward the nonprofit’s cause, which is renovating homes for families with disabilities. The nonprofit’s next home renovation project is for a family in Valley Stream.
The Stop and Shop Giving Program, sponsored by the supermarket chain at all locations across the country, was introduced in 2019 as an initiative for the company to give back to local communities.
According to the program overview listed on the Stop and Shop website, shoppers can purchase a $2.50 Community Bag, which is a reusable bag, and $1 of the purchase will go directly to the nonprofit chosen for that specific location that month.
The website states that leadership at each individual store is responsible for choosing which local charities will be featured that month for the program.
About five years ago, Rescuing Families co-founder Gina Centauro said, one of the nonprofit’s volunteers, Barbara Woodward, visited the Stop and Shop on Franklin Avenue and spoke to a manager about including Rescuing Families on the supermarket’s list of rotating charities to participate in the program. From there, the manager contacted the supermarket’s corporate office, which processed the request and placed the nonprofit on their list.
On average, Gina said, participating in the Stop and Shop Giving Program generates about $100 per year in additional funds that support their cause. Over the last five years, she continued, the program helped generate about $500 for the nonprofit’s projects.
“We feel that every dollar counts,” Gina said. “Five hundred dollars sounds nominal for most people, but it does help us when you put it into perspective.”
According to Gina, the funds from the program cover the cost of about 50 2-by-4s, which is lumber used to frame walls, floors, and other structural elements. “It really is helpful,” Gina said.
Co-founder Vincent Centauro said the nonprofit is getting closer to their funding goal, and he believes construction could begin at the end of this month.
Vincent says the project will cost around $150,000, and the nonprofit has raised about $40,000 so far. As the nonprofit works on renovations, he explained, Rescuing Families will continue to host fundraising events to support the next step in their project.
In order to support additional fundraising efforts, Gina said, residents and donors can attend the Rescuing Families Spring Craft Fair on April 26-27 at VFW Post 2718 on Lincoln Road.
And, Vincent added, if residents are cleaning out their homes for the spring, they could donate any items to the charity for their garage sale at the end of May in the Rescuing Families Headquarters on Lewiston Street in Franklin Square.
