Dollar General will collect donations through April for Autism Speaks

Throughout April, more than 14,600 Dollar General retail locations across the 44 states it serves plans to collect donations to benefit Autism Speaks (http://www.autismspeaks.org) , the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Customers may donate any amount at the checkout counter to support Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. The partnership is now in its ninth consecutive year.

“An integral part of our mission of Serving Others is our commitment to investing in organizations that extend help and hope to our customers and the communities we serve,” said Dollar General’s senior director of community initiatives Denine Torr. “During the month of April, we look forward to raising awareness and funds for Autism Speaks’ research and advocacy efforts.”

The fundraising drive is among many activities during April’s World Autism Month, designed to promote understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder, which affects an estimated one in 68 children. Donations to Autism Speaks fund cutting-edge research, advocacy initiatives and free resources. They include Autism Speaks Tool Kits and the Autism Response Team, which last year answered more than 70,000 inquiries.

“Dollar General has shown tremendous commitment to this campaign, and we’re deeply grateful for their partnership,” said Peter Morton, Autism Speaks vice president of corporate development. “Every donation helps provide services and resources that meet important needs for people with autism, at every stage of life.”

About Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most forms of autism are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks (https://www.autismspeaks.org) is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. 

About Dollar General Corporation

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 14,609 stores in 44 states as of March 2, 2018. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo.