LAKE TAHOE and#8212; Residents of Northern Nevada have the opportunity to support the fire relief efforts of the American Red Cross every time they visit a Save Mart store starting Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. The stores will collect donations of any amount through Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011.

According to various reports, the Caughlin fire, which started at about 12:30 a.m. Friday in Reno, Nev. has destroyed 20 homes, has led to the closing of many schools and the evacuation of many homes and buildings and still is zero percent contained.

Customers are welcome to make a contribution at the check stand, and their receipts will itemize the amount donated to the Red Cross. As with any purchase, cash, checks, debit cards, or credit cards will be accepted.

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and#8220;The loss from fire is a tragedy that affects all of us. We may know a family that could be displaced, a firefighter battling the blazes, or a home or business that may be destroyed. We all see and breathe the smoke that shrouds our landscapes,and#8221; said Steve Junqueiro, executive VP and chief operating officer of Save Mart Supermarkets. and#8220;The Red Cross is at the forefront of fire relief. Their resources are stretched, and in some areas overextended. Save Mart Supermarkets and its stores are privileged to provide the means for all of us to help fire victims by supporting the agency that brings them aid.and#8221;

Save Mart Supermarkets operates 234 stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada under the Save Mart, S-Mart Foods, Lucky, and FoodMaxx banners. The privately-held company was founded Jan. 17, 1952 and has always been headquartered in Modesto, Calif. More information about the company and its banners is available at http://www.savemart.com, http://www.luckysupermarkets.com and http://www.foodmaxx.com. Its consumer relations group can be called toll-free at 800-692-5710.

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and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com