Lauren Kutschka, Gene Roeglin, Nikki Chellew accepted the Spirit of Puget Sound Award for Costco.

United Way of King County awarded the prestigious Spirit of Caring Awards on March 3 in front of a crowded ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. Honorees included individuals and corporations who represented the best in giving and volunteering.

Costco Wholesale received the Spirit of Puget Sound Award, recognized as King County’s highest achievement in corporate philanthropy. The award honors outstanding community involvement, sustained campaign excellence, and the promotion of volunteerism.

For the 2009-2010 campaign season, the employees of Costco showed incredible heart, and boundless generosity. Chairman Jeff Brotman’s and CEO Jim Sinegal’s strong leadership and commitment to United Way of King County resonated throughout the company, and made this campaign year an exceptional success. Leadership Giving levels (gifts of $1,000 and above) jumped seven percent company-wide, and overall participation was 84 percent—a 33 percent increase company-wide.

At the campaign kickoff at Costco’s Issaquah headquarters, Seahawks players Lofa Tatupu and Deon Grant joined with Seahawks CEO Todd Leiweke to get the crowd primed for a winning season. Adding to Costco’s campaign’s success was its innovative new giving strategy utilizing the Express Pledge System. This point-of sale pledge system for employees enabled gifts to go directly to United Way of King County in $5 increments—generating nearly $60,000.

In all, Costco’s Northwest region raised $3.7 million for United Way of King County during their superb campaign. Costco employees also gave generously of their time, volunteering at last year’s Day of Caring. In addition, Senior Vice President of Depot Operations John Thelan joined the “Climb for the Community” team, and Costco stepped up in a big way to support the Response for Basic Needs and help people hurt by the economic downturn by pledging $100,000 during the Climb.

About 420,000 families receive food stamps in Washington, up 30 percent from a year ago.

Before the New York pilots, Costco execs were skeptical that any of their customers would use food stamps. However, the tests showed that they would if given the opportunity.

“The rules are different today,” CEO Jim Sinegal said. “People who were in good shape financially all of the sudden are needing some assistance.”

But seriously, sincere thanks to Costco for partnering with United Way for 26 years and supporting the communities where they do business.

As many Americans did this weekend, I celebrated our nation’s birthday by doing what else–grilling with friends and family. At one barbecue I attended, I was surprised and delighted to find United Way-branded Jones Soda in the cooler. The bottles feature Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora and are helping to raise awareness about United Way’s Climb for the Community.

Buy a 24-pack of the limited-edition Jones Soda at Costco and other fine retailers, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way of King County. You get three flavors: orange and cream, green apple and cream soda. It’s a tasty way to do something good for the community.

They will be joined by United Way Board Chair Molly Nordstrom, Costco Senior Vice President John Thelan, Boeing Vice President Fred Kiga and Wells Fargo regional Director Greg Bronstein. The climbers’ guides will be legendary moutaineers Ed Viesturs and Peter Whittaker (aka the guys who just came back from Climbing Mount Everest again.)

You can be a part of this inspiring event by making a donation to United Way’s Response for Basic Needs. Proceeds raised from the climb will provide food, shelter and hope for people in need. Click here to give now.

Read this Seattle P-I article or watch the video below to learn more.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It looks like Costco, seller of (sometimes ridiculously large) bulk products, is finally taking steps towards accepting food stamps.

They are testing food stamp acceptance in two New York City stores, which ideally will then carry over to the rest of the chain.

One of the reasons that Costco is making this shift is because other wholesale stores like BJ’s have already begun accepting food stamps at their stores.

Well, that and the fact that tons more people are on food assistance and it just makes good business sense for the company and for the consumers.

It seems like a win-win for everyone. Let’s hope that this plan rolls out nationally soon!

[via Consumerist]