Quincy, MA -- Responding to the devastation caused by tsunamis in Southeast Asia and East Africa, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company/Giant Food announced they will donate $372,000 to aid the victims of the disaster.

The donation encompasses $322,000 in customer and associate donations, as well as a $50,000 donation made by the company's corporate office. The funds will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the American Red Cross.

Shortly after the tsunami swept through South Asia and East Africa, Stop & Shop and Giant associates in the chain's 550 stores began collecting donations from customers from customers and associates. "The way our customers and associates reacted to this tragedy far from home demonstrates their generosity and goodwill," said Marc Smith, President and CEO of Stop & Shop Supermarkets and Giant Food. "It is heartwarming to see such a tremendous response."

The donation funds will be used for water purification tablets, medicine, and basic supplies such as soap, toothpaste and blankets. The Red Cross is distributing tents, cooking equipment and mosquito nets. UNICEF's focus is on helping children and is providing education kits and trauma care for orphans.

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, based in Quincy, Massachusetts, employs more than 58,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.

Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, MD, operates 202 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, and employs more than 25,000 associates. Giant stores in New Jersey and Delaware operate under the Super G name.