Belk increases charitable donations

Charlotte-based Belk, Inc. said last week that it donated or sponsored donations of $18.3 million to nonprofits in its recently-ended fiscal year.

The company gave $5.1 million directly, to groups including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the CIAA scholarship fund and the Belk Foundation's efforts to help public education.

The remainder of the money was contributed by customers, vendors and Belk associates through Belk-sponsored charity events. The biggest chunk of that was $10 million raised by Belk's semi-annual charity sale, held at all of its 300 stores. Belk donated the proceeds to 7,800 local charities.

Spokeswoman Jessica Graham said $18.3 million was a 40 percent more than the department store chain raised last year. She said the increase represents "a clear demonstration of Belk’s renewed commitment to giving back to our customers, our associates and our neighbors in need."