"Publix has been a tremendous supporter of Special Olympics Virginia athletes for eight years,” says David Thomason, President & CEO of Special Olympics Virginia. “Their commitment to our mission and to the Torch Icon Campaign has empowered our athletes to reach new heights and show the world what they are capable of. We are incredibly grateful to Publix associates, Publix leadership, and their customers for being part of our team.”
January 2025 – Special Olympics Virginia and Publix Super Markets are thrilled to announce the return of the annual Torch Icon Campaign, a partnership dedicated to supporting Special Olympics athletes across Virginia and the southeast United States.
From January 10 through 18, 2025, Publix associates, customers and local communities will come together to support Special Olympics Virginia athletes. The Torch Icon Campaign, which began in 1993, continues to inspire and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities.
During the campaign, customers visiting their local Publix stores can make a donation to support their state’s athletes. In return, donors will receive over $25 in coupon savings, including exclusive offers on Procter & Gamble brands like Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette and Pampers. Donations can be made at the register during checkout for as little as $1 or any amount of the customer’s choosing.
Since its inception, the Torch Icon Campaign has raised more than $71 million to help Special Olympics athletes develop physical and mental wellness, demonstrate courage and experience the joy of sports alongside their families, friends and communities.
Both Special Olympics Virginia and Publix are dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Virginia offers year-round sports training and competition, critical health services, leadership development and inclusive programming for its athletes. Publix employs many Special Olympics athletes and, for decades, has looked at the abilities of every associate.
“We are honored to continue our support of Special Olympics Virginia in highlighting the tremendous talents and gifts of its athletes and all people with intellectual disabilities,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “Our associates look forward to the Torch Icon Campaign each year and are proud to support the mission of Special Olympics.”
Special Olympics Virginia serves more than 20,000 athletes who compete at the local, state, national and international levels. In addition to training and competition, the program provides crucial health screenings and leadership opportunities.
Athletes and members of local law enforcement will be visiting stores to thank employees and customers throughout the campaign. Below is the full schedule of activations across Virginia - find a location near you and come say hello!
| Name | Address | City | Activation Date |
| Nuckols Place | 5400 Wyndham Forest Drive | Glen Allen | 1/13/2025 10AM |
| Short Pump Crossing Shopping Center | 3460 Pump Road | Henrico | 1/12/2025 11AM |
| Carytown Exchange | 3535 Ellwood Avenue | Richmond | 1/14/2025 11AM |
| The Shoppes At Crossridge | 10250 Staples Mill Road | Glen Allen | 1/16/2025 11AM |
| Virginia Center Marketplace | 10150 Brook Road | Glen Allen | 1/11/2025 1PM |
| Harbour Pointe Shopping Center | 13700 Hull Street Road | Midlothian | 1/10/2025 8AM |
| The Village Shopping Center | 7035 Three Chopt Road | Richmond | 1/14/2025 1PM |
| Colonial Square Shopping Center | 3007 Boulevard | Colonial Heights | TBA |
| White Oak Village | 4591 South Laburnum Ave | Richmond | 1/10/2025 10AM |
| Brandy Creek Commons | 6603 Mechanicsville Turnpike | Mechanicsville | 1/18/2025 2PM |
| Publix At Cosner's Corner | 9601 Jefferson Davis Hwy | Fredericksburg | 1/11/2025 9AM |
| The Shops At Stratford | 7045 Forest Hill Ave | Richmond | 1/15/2025 1PM |
| Cosby Village | 7200 Cosby Village Rd | Chesterfield | 1/16/2025 8AM |
| Huguenot Village | 2015 Huguenot Road | North Chesterfield | 1/15/2025 8AM |
| Charter Colony Shopping Center | 200 Charter Colony Parkway | Midlothian | 1/16/2025 10AM |
| Embrey Mill Town | 1640 Publix Way | Stafford | 1/13/2025 8AM |
| Planters Station | 3189 Godwin Blvd | Suffolk | 1/15/2025 1PM |
About Publix Super Markets: Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,390 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.