Special Olympics Virginia is excited to once again partner with Publix Super Markets for the annual Torch Icon Campaign, taking place in Publix stores throughout Virginia and across the southeastern United States.
From January 9–16, customers who visit their local Publix can support Special Olympics athletes in their state by making a donation at checkout. As a thank-you, every customer who donates will receive more than $30 in coupon savings, including exclusive offers on Procter & Gamble brands such as Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette, and Pampers. Donations can be made directly at the register, starting at just $1 or any amount a customer chooses.
Since 1993, the Torch Icon Campaign has raised more than $81 million for Special Olympics programs, helping athletes build physical and mental wellness, demonstrate courage, and experience the power of sports alongside their families, friends, and local communities.
One of those athletes is Daymond, a Publix front service clerk and Special Olympics Virginia athlete. Daymond joined the Publix team in 2023, but his Special Olympics journey began in 2009 in Japan. Since then, he has earned more than 30 medals at state competitions and additional medals from appearances at the World Games in Shanghai and Los Angeles.
When asked about his experience at Publix and with Special Olympics Virginia, Daymond’s answer is always the same: “I want to go out there and be a good teammate. But most importantly, I want to have fun.”
Athletes like Daymond and members of Law Enforcement Torch Run will be visiting stores throughout the campaign to say thank you to associates and customers. Below is the full schedule of activations across Virginia - find a location near you and come say hello!
| Store Name | Store Address | Activation Date | Activation Time |
| The Shoppes At Crossridge | 10250 Staples Mill Road - Glen Allen | Jan. 9 | 11am - 1pm |
| Huguenot Village | 2015 Huguenot Road - N. Chesterfield | Jan 9 | 5 - 7pm |
| Brandy Creek Commons | 6603 Mechanicsville Tpke. - Mechanicsville | Jan 9 | 11am - 1pm & 5 - 7pm |
| The Shops At Stratford | 7045 Forest Hill Ave - Richmond | Jan 9 & 15 | 11am - 1pm |
| Colonial Square Shopping Center | 3007 Boulevard - Colonial Heights | Jan 10 | 11am - 1pm |
| Chancellor Crossing | 5940 Plank Rd - Fredericksburg | Jan10 | 11am - 1pm |
| Embrey Mill Town | 1640 Publix Way - Stafford | Jan 12 | 11am - 1pm |
| Virginia Center Marketplace | 10150 Brook Road - Glen Allen | Jan 12 | 5 - 7pm |
| Carytown Exchange | 3535 Ellwood Avenue - Richmond | Jan13 & 14 | 11am - 1pm |
| Hickman Place | 2200 General Booth Blvd - Virginia Beach | Jan14 | 11am - 1pm |
| Charter Colony Shopping Center | 200 Charter Colony Parkway - Midlothian | Jan 15 | 5 - 7pm |
| The Village Shopping Center | 7035 Three Chopt Road - Richmond | Jan 15 | 11am - 1pm |
| Cosby Village | 7200 Cosby Village Rd - Chesterfield | Jan 15 | 5 - 7pm |
| Harbour Pointe Shopping Center | 13700 Hull Street Road - Midlothian | Jan 16 | 5 - 7pm |
About Special Olympics Virginia:
Special Olympics Virginia’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
About Publix Super Markets
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, currently operates 1,432 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 26 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.