ATLANTA (June 11, 2011) – Customers and associates of Kroger’s Atlanta Division donated more than $413,000 during a three-week fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network – surpassing the grocer’s $350,000 goal by more than $63,000. Rome's store is included in the network that covers Georgia, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

From May 13 through June 2, customers purchased $1 hot-air balloon icons, also known to many as “Miracle Balloons” to fund medical care and outreach programs at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in their local communities.

“Year after year, Kroger customers make impressive donations to Children’s Miracle Network, and this year is no different,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We are incredibly grateful for their support as they continue to go above and beyond to help children in our communities."

Children’s Miracle Network, one of the world’s leading children’s charities, is a nonprofit organization that raises money for more than 170 hospitals, collectively impacting the lives of more children than any other children’s organization in the world. Donations help ensure partner hospitals have the resources to diagnose or treat diseases and injuries among children, thus saving and improving 17 million lives each year.