Video By Cooper Slough
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
After completing a remodel announced in January, Dillons, 1902 Vine, celebrated the renovation Wednesday with a Hays Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and the announcement of community donations exceeding $28,000.
The celebration kicked off with remarks from Mike Matney, district manager.
“It’s great that we get to invest in the community of Hays and Hays is invested in us as a company,” he said, noting a lot of hard work went into the location in the last six months.
Through the remodel, the location added a new sushi kiosk, a Starbucks coffee kiosk, a new pharmacy and expanded selections throughout the store.
“It took some work of a lot of people to make it happen,” Matney said. “It’s outstanding to have that support to give our customers exactly what they are wanting.”
“It’s truly a brand new Dillons,” said Don Koerner, store manager in an event announcement. “Many of our guests are raving about how open and fresh the store looks with the renovation. Now, our customers can now find all their favorites, right here in Hays at Dillons. Our customers have been thrilled with the new sushi bar, Starbucks coffee, and gourmet cheeses. Our selections of natural and organic foods have also been expanded, along with garden-fresh produce, and fresh meat and seafood. These departments have been a huge hit with our customers.”
During the celebration, announcements were made for community donations, as well, led by Shelia Lowrie, associate communications and media relations manager.
“We love to celebrate with our neighbors and give back to the community that has been so good to us,” she said. “With our commitment to our communities, it’s one thing that we want to do to continue to say thank you and build a strong community together.”
The largest donation was a $27,500 to the United Way of Ellis County, with $26,400 made up of pledges from Dillon’s staff members.
“This is what makes Ellis County, this is what makes who we are,” said Sherry Dryden, executive director of United Way of Ellis County. “This helps Ellis County … and we can’t do it without the wonderful folks at Dillons.”
Dryden said 15 partner agencies will benefit from the donation.
“For years, our store teams here in Hays have made a commitment to help give back and serve our goal organizations and, through the help of United Way of Ellis County, this store team right here in town, joined by our other store team had made a significant donation,” Lowrie said. “The most impressive (thing) about this donation is it is made possible by all of our associates in this store.”
Other donations announced were a $500 donation to the Community Assistance Program and $500 to First Call for Help, to be used for their annual Backpack for Kids drive.
Volunteers from the store will also assist in putting the packs together, and donations will be collected at the store until July 29.
For a list of needed items click here.