Advance Auto again supports sneaker sales campaign for JDRF

ROANOKE, Va. (Aug. 22, 2013) — For the 20th consecutive year, Advance Auto Parts Inc. is supporting the sneaker sales campaign to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The Roanoke-based auto parts distributor's efforts raise funds that go toward curing, treating and preventing type 1 diabetes. In the past 19 years, Advance has raised more than $35 million for JDRF, including more than $4.3 million for diabetes research in 2012.

The company's sneaker sales program, which will be held at its more than 4,000 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, begins today and runs through Oct. 5. Customers can purchase paper sneakers—at $1, $5, $25 or $50—that benefit the charity. Advance then displays the customer-purchased paper sneakers in its store windows to show support for the cause.

Proceeds from every sneaker sold go directly to JDRF.

"Our annual JDRF Sneaker Campaign is always an inspiring time of year for our company because it clearly shows our team's commitment to serving our community. The $35 million-plus that we have raised over the past 20 years is proof that service is our best part—not only for our commercial and DIY customers, but for our communities as well," said Darren Jackson, Advance's CEO. "This year, our team is asking every customer to buy a pair of sneakers and to do their part."