[Los Angeles] – The 2015 Special Olympics World Games are coming to Los Angeles this summer, and Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores serving Southern California y are supporting the athletes by raising funds to assist Special Olympics.

In addition, the supermarket chain’s Foods Co Division, which serves Central and Northern California, is also raising funds to support Special Olympics.

Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co. customers and associates can show their support of Special Olympics through the supermarket chains’ nonprofit arms, The Food 4 Less/Foods Co Fund, and The Ralphs Fund, by donating their spare change in collection canisters located at store checkstands in Southern California. The Special Olympics fundraising campaign will run through May 19, 2015.

One hundred percent of customer donations received as part of the fundraising campaign will be directed to Special Olympics.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is a global movement that transforms lives through the joy of sport. The 2015 World Games are being held in Los Angeles from July 25 through August 2.

“Food 4 Less/Foods Co is committed to supporting the communities that support our stores and supporting Special Olympics allows us to do that,” said Bryan Kaltenbach, President of Food 4 Less/Foods Co. “Our involvement with Special Olympics reflects Food 4 Less/Foods Co’s commitment to enhance the lives of people of all abilities.”

In conjunction with its Special Olympics checkstand fundraising program, Food 4 Less/Foods Cos also announced that it is encouraging its customers to enjoy the power of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games by reaching up and volunteering to be a “Fan in the Stands.” Food 4 Less and Foods Co customers can volunteer to cheer at this summer’s Special Olympics World Games by registering at www.LA2015.org/food4less-cheer.