Save A Lot Celebrates Another Year of Recognizing Hometown Heroes

ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Save A Lot, one of the country’s largest discount grocery chains, proudly celebrates the achievements of its Hometown Heroes program, which debuted in 2023 to honor the people and organizations making a difference in the communities its stores serve. In 2025, Save A Lot recognized 21 Hometown Heroes and awarded $10,500 in Save A Lot gift cards.

Through the program, Save A Lot spotlights individuals and organizations who exemplify what it means to serve their community. Standout recipients of 2025 include Pastor Debbie Salters of the Daily Food Station in Vincennes, IN, who ensures her food pantry is available for those in need of emergency food assistance. Roy Davis of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, was also recognized for his work in raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“When it comes to giving back to the people who are doing a lot of good in our communities, our stores do it best,” said Bill Mayo, Chief Executive Officer for Save A Lot. “To continue to see our Hometown Heroes program thrive, illustrates that recognizing people serving their community has the power to lift others in their time of need and create positive change within communities. That’s something we are honored to do at Save A Lot.”

Winners for 2025 included:

• Sonya Perry, Bear Branch, KY
• Samantha Lawhorn, Columbia, KY
• Lisa Kimplen, Tupper Lake, NY
• Kids of the Community, McMinnville, TN
• Jeannie Hodge, Dyersburg, TN
• Doug Ducheney, Bronston, KY
• Jess Sisca, Louisa, KY
• Sonya Prewitt, Mount Vernon, KY
• Monica Johnson, Portage, IN
• Roy Davis, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
• Terry Baker, Whitley City, KY
• Miranda Marvin, Salamanca, NY
• Debbie Cohill, Hancock, MD
• Debbie Salters, Vincennes, IN
• Susan Murphy, Kenmore, NY
• Benjamin Hoopengardner, Hancock, MD
• Christine Anderson, Milan, TN
• Tiffany Plaugher, Wingham, OH
• Greg Wilson, Jackson, KY
• Gina Gaylor, Somerset, KY
• Whitney Alvarez, Monticello, KY

Building on the program’s success, Save A Lot is committed to these efforts in 2026, with plans to recognize more heroes and provide funding to support local initiatives.

About the Hometown Heroes Program

The Save A Lot Hometown Heroes program was established in 2023 to highlight and support dedicated individuals making meaningful contributions in their communities. The first set of nominations for 2026 are now open through January 30.

To participate, nominators may submit information about a person or organization at http://www.savealot.com/wcp/hometown-hero. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of Save A Lot employees and Retail Partners based on criteria including their impact, level of innovation and passion for their work. The first subset of nominees will be posted on the company’s Facebook page. Winners will receive a $500 gift card and will be spotlighted in the Save A Lot newsroom. The program will run through 2026.

For more information about Save A Lot and to nominate someone, please visit http://www.savealot.com/wcp/hometown-hero.

About Save A Lot

Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated value-focused grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 700 stores in 29 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot strives to provide unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit www.SaveALot.com and follow Save A Lot on Facebook (facebook.com/savealot), on X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit ownasavealot.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Save A Lot:
Katie Cothron

Manager of PR & Community Engagement

katie.cothron@savealot.com