(JOHNSTON, IA) — Fareway Meat & Grocery today announced a donation of $288,869.96 to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, made possible through the generosity of customers who chose to round up their purchases between November 24 and December 24, 2025. This year’s total reflects an increase of more than $13,000 compared to last year’s campaign.
“Our customers continue to inspire us with their kindness and willingness to give,” said Jeff Stearns, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Fareway. “We are proud to partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation each year, and we’re incredibly thankful for everyone who rounded up at the register or donated a toy. Their generosity helps brighten the holidays for thousands of children.”
In addition to the round‑up donation, the annual toy drive brought in 20,381 new toys across participating Fareway locations. The collection effort was supported by KCCI 8 News, whose newscasts featured live reports and promotions from several Fareway stores throughout the campaign. The toys will be distributed to children across Iowa to help ensure every child experiences the joy of Christmas.
KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by viewers, partners, and volunteers.
“Our generous viewers continue to make us proud as we lead this annual tradition,” Sather said. “This year, we are thrilled to announce that we collected over 16,000 toys for kids in need. We are also grateful to Fareway, American Equity, IBEW 347, Prairie Meadows, and their employees who pour their heart and soul into helping ensure no child in Iowa goes without a toy during the holidays. Together, our community shows what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause.”
Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, praised Fareway customers and partners for their continued impact.
“The compassion shown by Fareway customers and the Iowa community is extraordinary,” Lt. Gen. Laster said. “Their generous contributions help us deliver hope and joy to children who need it most. We are grateful for Fareway’s dedicated partnership and the remarkable support provided again this holiday season.”
For more than a decade, Fareway has partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to help ensure local children have gifts to open on Christmas morning. The company remains committed to strengthening communities through charitable efforts and partnerships that make a meaningful difference.
Congratulations to the top 10 Fareway locations during this year’s Toys for Tots round up:
|
Norwalk |
IA |
$ 6,757.11 |
|
Ankeny (north location) |
IA |
$ 4,904.80 |
|
Polk City |
IA |
$ 4,603.73 |
|
Ames |
IA |
$ 4,598.25 |
|
Council Bluffs |
IA |
$ 4,397.11 |
|
Basehor |
KS |
$ 4,292.01 |
|
Decorah |
IA |
$ 4,131.66 |
|
Dubuque |
IA |
$ 3,773.49 |
|
West Des Moines (Grand Ave.) |
IA |
$ 3,757.99 |
|
Ankeny (south location) |
IA |
$ $3,684.60 |
About Fareway…
Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating 143 stores in a seven-state region. Fareway’s mission is to provide the highest quality products, while treating customers like family, and valuing dedicated employees. Its stores are known for their unmatched, full-service meat departments, farm-fresh produce, and exceptional to[1]your-car customer service. Fareway is a family-owned business, recognized as a top 10 employer in Iowa, and has more than 13,000 total employees. Visit Fareway.com for more information or shop online by visiting Shop.Fareway.com
About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation…
The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to less‑fortunate children at Christmas. Since 1947, Toys for Tots has helped bring the joy of Christmas and a message of hope to millions of children across the United States.
About KCCI…
KCCI (Channel 8) is the leading CBS-affiliated television station in Des Moines, Iowa, owned by Hearst Television. Broadcasting since July 31, 1955, it is a dominant, award-winning news source covering central Iowa with a focus on local news, severe weather, and community events. KCCI operates out of downtown Des Moines and partners with KDSM FOX 17 for news, and has historically high viewership and is heavily involved in local events like the Iowa State Fair, as well as initiatives like Toys for Tots and the Race for the Cure.