It's become common this time of year for retailers of various sorts to run Christmas in July events. I hate them — not only because they're a reminder of "Christmas creep" but also because phony baloney Black Fridays that come during the middle of summer pitches don't, in my experience, tend to work all that well. Perhaps the latter reason is why, mercifully, there seem to be fewer of these events locally this year. That said, I may have found an exception in the one currently being run by Boscov's, a 43-unit privately owned department store chain based in Pennsylvania.
What makes Boscov's event different than all the others? The biggest difference is that Boscov's is holding a food drive for needy families as well as one to collect clothing and personal care items for disabled veterans. The event runs through the end of the month.
"We have done events like this in the past — often during the holidays," Brad Meese, Boscov's regional public relations manager, told the Daily Local News. "But a lot of kids are out of school right now and could use the extra support and food."
One of the appealing elements of the drive is that Boscov's supports local charities.
"It's raised in the community and it stays in the community," Irene Kelly, a Boscov's spokesperson, told the Standard Speaker.
People interested in supporting the food drive are asked to drop off non-perishable boxed or canned foods at collection bins at Boscov's stores. The food collected is primarily used to help feed kids during the summer months when they're out of school.
The clothing and personal care drive supports the Keystone Wounded Warriors. Donors can bring new underwear, socks, t-shirts and other clothing to the chain's stores. Personal care items such as bodywash, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes are also needed.