We know who our customers are," said James Lohrey, customer satisfaction manager for the Albertsons located on Steilacoom Blvd in Lakewood. "This particular event is not company sponsored - it is just something we do here because we are so close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord."

The drive, which allows customers at the store to choose from non-perishable food items or Albertsons' gift cards, will benefit Servicemembers who have recently redeployed or the families of those who are currently deployed.

Lohrey, who runs the collection efforts, estimates that the average customer donates about $8 worth of items, which is putting them on track to match last year's tally of 250 bountiful baskets. However, he is still hopeful for a final push over the long holiday weekend since the three-week drive won't end until July 4.

"We try to make it as easy as possible for the customer to donate," Lohrey explained. "We also make sure they know exactly what they are donating and that it is a 100 percent donation to those in need."

Additionally, the store also conducts company-sponsored drives throughout November and December that solicit monetary donations from customers to make full turkey dinners for families. Each store can pick where the meals will be donated and last year, this Albertsons teamed with the Gig Harbor store to bring $4,200 worth of meals to JBLM.

Following the conclusion of this food drive, Albertsons will also be sponsoring a blood drive, in conjunction with Cascade Regional Blood Services, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 8. Though this will be the first time that the location has held a blood drive, they are hopeful for a good turnout. To sign up, contact the store director Simone Appleton at (253) 582-5844.

"We really try to partner with the community," said Jordan Wilson, assistant store director. "From food drives to raising money to blood drives ... we do what we can."