Bashas, Local Food Companies Team up to Support Pediatric Patients and the Planet

Bashas', Food City, and AJ's grocery stores this week teamed up with Hickman's Eggs, Holsum Bakery and Shamrock Farms to introduce a bright-green reusable shopping tote featuring "Flower Hand" artwork from Adam Isaiah Garay, a 7-year-old Phoenix Children's Hospital patient.

"We're lucky to have community-minded customers who are passionate about supporting local causes like this one,” said Kristy Nied, director of communications for Chandler, Ariz.-based Bashas'. “With the support of our partners, our employees and our customers, we hope to completely sell out of these totes by the end of April."

Garay was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2006. Since then, he has endured chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. When he has to stay in the hospital, he keeps busy by drawing. "I drew this picture because we all need our hands to do good and our part to clean our world," said Garay. "And when it's all clean, then we can grow beautiful trees and flowers."

Offered at the price of $1.49, a limited supply of totes will be on sale in 144 stores until supplies last. All tote sales will go directly to Phoenix Children's Hospital's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the largest provider of hematology and oncology care for children in Arizona and the entire western region. Donations will help young patients like Garay.

Shoppers also can give a monetary donation to Phoenix Children's Hospital when they check out their groceries. Participating Bashas', Food City and AJ's grocery stores are also selling $1 bright-green paper icons featuring Garay’s "Flower Hand" artwork. As with the totes, 100 percent of donations will go directly to the hospital.