This past holiday season, the Macy's "Thanks for Sharing" program raised $640,000 for 10 southern Special Olympics state programs, including Special Olympics Virginia, sparking growth in the movement for people with intellectual disabilities.

The other Special Olympics organizations that benefited from the program were Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

"Thanks for Sharing" has benefited communities nationwide with more than $37 million donated in the last five years. Macy's "Thanks for Sharing" debuted as an initiative in 2003 – a stand-out effort from which customers benefit during the holiday season and charities benefit throughout the year.

For a $25 enrollment fee, Macy's cardholders earned 10 percent rewards on most Macy's purchases made with their credit card during the holiday season.

Special Olympics is one of three beneficiaries Macy's South supported. The other two organizations to benefit from the year’s initiative are the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"Our Thanks for Sharing program continues to be a cornerstone holiday tradition that gives us the chance to come together with our customers in support of charities, including local charities, that make a difference," said Joe Vella, Divisional Vice President Community Affairs Macy’s South.

"This program is just one example of what Macy's and our customers can do together to benefit our local communities."

In Virginia, Macy’s will continue to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run as well as the "R" word campaign, Winning Spirit Golf Classic and the Summer Games Victory Dance.

To learn more, visit the Special Olympics Virginia Web site at, specialolympicsva.org, or contact Katie Botha, director of Corporate Development, at kbotha@specialolympicsva.org or by calling 804-726-3024.

The preceeding was compiled from a Special Olympics Virginia news release.