Acme bag purchases to benefit Village Volunteers in January 

After a challenging pandemic year, the local nonprofit Village Volunteers will begin 2021 with a unique opportunity to join with Acme Markets in serving two crucial causes: assisting older neighbors and improving the environment by reducing plastic waste.

Village Volunteers, which helps older adults in Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth Beach live independently, has been selected as Acme’s local partner in the Give Back Where It Counts Bag Program for January.

During the month, Village Volunteers will receive $1 from each $3 sale of a reusable Give Back Where It Counts shopping bag at the Route 1 Acme, 18578 Coastal Highway between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Jackie Sullivan, Village Volunteers executive director, noting that Jan. 1 marks the start of Delaware’s ban on the flimsy single-use plastic bags previously offered at supermarkets, box stores and chain stores. “Many Acme customers will be thinking about environmentally smart, reusable shopping bags on the very days and weeks that Acme will be generously sharing proceeds from those bags with Village Volunteers.”

A nonprofit organization with more than 100 volunteers serving more than 250 members, Village Volunteers is dedicated to helping older adults live independently for as long as possible. It was recently joined by a new affiliate, South Coastal Village Volunteers, which will begin operation in January with 30 volunteers. Among the Village Volunteers’ many services are transportation, home assistance, friendly visits, and social, educational and wellness programs that enhance the lives of its members.

Like many local nonprofits, the Village Volunteers have been forced to endure a difficult financial climate through nearly a year of the COVID-19 threat. Beyond that, however, the organization also has had to be vigilant in reshaping nearly all its operations in order to protect the health of both volunteers and members, most of whom are in vulnerable age groups, and many of whom have underlying conditions that put them at risk.

“One thing we’ve learned, though, is that difficult times bring out the best in our community,” Sullivan said. “And Acme’s Give Back Where It Counts Bag Program is a great example of turning an environmental necessity into a benefit for the community where Acme does business.”

Those who purchase bags after January can continue to support Village Volunteers by using the giving tag attached to the Give Back Where It Counts bag. Simply follow the instructions on the detachable tag to direct a $1 donation to Village Volunteers. Bags are available at various registers and at the reusable-bag rack in the store.

To learn about becoming a member or volunteer, call 302-703-2568 or villagevolunteer.org.