This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Smith's Food & Drug Stores has kicked off its annual campaign to raise funds for Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation in support of charity care for needy children.

Now in its 19th year, Smith's effort invites customers from Utah and parts of Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada to join in fundraising activities. For eight weeks in April and May, there will be store-level activities such as hot dog sales, carnivals, yard sales and silent auctions.

Donations also may be made at check stands.

Since 1992, Smith's has donated $7.6 million to the hospital.

Primary Children's Medical Center is one of only 10 pediatric Trauma One hospitals in the nation, treating severe injuries that could cause death or significant disability. The hospital sees dozens of children a day in its emergency room and offers more than 60 subspecialties, from diabetes to Down syndrome, and asthma to orthopedics.

Smith's is a division of the Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest retail grocers. From its division office in Salt Lake City, Smith's 13,000 employees serve customers in 132 stores throughout seven Western states.

The Salt Lake Tribune