By Ashley Cummins for the FCT

Since 2002, Fred’s Pharmacy has commemorated the fallen heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, though a fundraiser called the Hero Hats program.

This program serves local emergency teams in the Fred’s Pharmacy market area. Since the beginning of the program in 2002, Fred’s Pharmacy has raised and donated more than $2 million dollars to local fire, police and sheriff’s departments.

According to a press release issued by Fred’s Pharmacy, Inc., “Hero Hats” is a commemorative symbol and a Fred’s Pharmacy campaign that allows customers and team members to make a donation of $1 to support local emergency teams. District managers in each market area select the designated emergency organizations to receive the funding each year.

Victoria Smith, sales and marketing representative for Fred’s Pharmacy, said “Our Hero Hats program has been a way for us to commemorate the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, but also to continue giving back to the emergency teams that support our communities and save lives every day. We hope the emergency teams drew inspiration from the support in their communities and the money raised will be helpful to their needs. We are touched and inspired by the way our customers continue to show their gratitude by their involvement in this program.”

The campaign this year was a success, according to coordinators. Fred’s Pharmacy is donating a chain-wide total of $232,949 to local emergency teams across the region. In addition to all the $1 “Hero Hats” purchased over the course of the fundraiser, all operating profits from Fred’s stores sales on Sept. 11 were donated.

This is an annual fundraiser. Those interested in donating can look for Hero Hats throughout the month of September at any Fred’s location.