St. Jude Children's Research Hospital kicks off Thanks and Giving campaign

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is applauding the retailers that have joined and returned to its annual campaign to raise money for children's cancer research.

The Memphis, Tenn.-based hospital said that over the last 10 years, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has raised more than $387 million to invest in research and treatment for childhood cancer. Longstanding retail donors like Kmart, CVS/pharmacy, Ann Taylor, HSNi and Dick's Sporting Goods were recently joined by Best Buy, GameStop and Tween Brands, in addition to the more than 60 other donor companies, all of which are supporting the campaign this year. Those other brands include Coca-Cola, GNC and New York & Co.

"St. Jude is where doctors send their toughest cases because we have the world's best survival rates for the most aggressive childhood cancers, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer," St. Jude national outreach director Marlo Thomas said. "It means so much to us that our incredible St. Jude Thanks and Giving partners have opened their hearts and offered the strength of their successful brands in support of our lifesaving work."

Kmart, which became a donor in 2006, was named Corporate Partner of the Year after raising a record $7.5 million last year. This year, as previously reported in DSN, the retailer is rewarding members of the Shop Your Way loyalty program who donate by giving them a coupon of 5% back in points on their next qualifying purchase, through January.

Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.