At Trader Joe's, we really work to be a part of the neighborhood. That's why we handle all requests for donations and involvement in community events in our stores. Whether it's a silent auction to benefit a local elementary school or a health fair sponsored by a community hospital, your neighborhood Trader Joe's is the place to go.

In fact, we're so serious about our commitment to our neighborhoods, that each of our stores has its own Donations Coordinator. And to simplify things even further, we have some basic guidelines you should follow when requesting a donation of any kind from Trader Joe's. Download Donation Guidelines Here.

We've been doing things this way since, well... since the very beginning of Trader Joe's. We think getting to know the organizations that are important to our communities makes us better neighbors.

What's Your Neighborhood Grocery Store doing in your neighborhood now?

Trader Joe's Albuquerque (167):
This August, Trader Joe's Albuquerque hosted a Dog Days of Summer event. Customers were encouraged to bring their dogs down to the store, where they gathered on the outdoor patio and enjoyed a Trader Joe's pet food tasting. We are firm believers that you have to try it to find out if you like it. And that means dogs, too. Of course, you can't have a proper tasting without a costume contest. Well…

Now that Back-To-School is in full Swing, Lucy the Lobo is in our Albuquerque store waiting to reveal a world of adventure. Lucy, the stuffed version of the University of New Mexico's mascot, is hidden throughout the store each day. Kids are encouraged to look for her while they shop with their parents. When they find her, their name gets entered into a special school-related raffle. At the end of each month, a ticket is selected and Lucy accompanies the Trader Joe's Crew to the winner's school where they throw a class party that includes making wacky-faced sandwiches for lunch, face painting, reading books… and every child gets to take home a TJ’s reusable bag filled with healthy goodies.