CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation is donating more than $1.8 million to charities in its KidCents program to honor customers who protect themselves, their families and their communities by getting flu shots this flu season.

Each of the more than 360 KidCents charities, which are located in communities served by Rite Aid, will receive a $5,000 grant to support programs that improve the health and well-being of children in their communities.

Customers can visit any of Rite Aid’s nearly 4,600 pharmacy locations to get a flu shot, with no appointment needed, from a certified immunizing Rite Aid pharmacist, subject to state regulations.

The idea behind the donation is to spread hope, not the flu, according to Rite Aid Foundation president Ken Martindale.

“Hope can be more contagious than the flu, and that’s especially true in the case of our more than 360 KidCents charities,” stated Martindale, who is CEO of stores and president at Rite Aid. “Making sure kids have a chance for better lives and brighter futures supports the mission of The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program. This donation, made on behalf of all Rite Aid customers who’ve received a flu shot this season, will help our partner charities as they continue making a difference in the lives of those they serve and their communities.”

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid’s customer rewards program, wellness+ with Plenti, can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 360 nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and well-being of children.