Portland, Ore. — Carol Draine, cashier at the Coeur D’Alene Fred Meyer, received the Kroger Community Service Award – a prestigious honor that recognizes her deep spirit of volunteerism and community good will. Each Kroger division names one honoree each year, so Draine was chosen from among 33,000 Fred Meyer employees in four states for this award. Among the reasons Draine was honored:

• Preparing and donating 75 sack lunches to the homeless each month. In February, she and her husband prepared spaghetti, a rare hot meal for the homeless.
• Collecting warm coats, blankets, hats and gloves during the winter season and distributing them to those in need.
• Hunting for cheap fans during the hot months and donating them to seniors who can’t afford air conditioners.
• Participating in Relay for Life as a cancer survivor.

According to Coeur d’Alene Store Director Bob Hobart, “Carol’s heart has compassion for those in need and when she sees a need, she acts on it. She is a selfless person who works tirelessly to make sure that the less fortunate are being taken care of.”

Question: Am I the only one who wants to signal this cashier out, the next time I'm in Fred Meyer, to thank her?

On her Facebook wall, Cindy writes of a close encounter with a Fred Meyer employee today: “Just got back From Fred Meyer. An employee on his lunch break walked by me singing 'People are crazy at — Fred Meyer … People are crazy — at Fred Meyer.' I don't confine my craziness to Fred Meyer.”

Question: Where are the craziest shoppers in the Inland Northwest?

The option of needle-free fall flu shots is being offered at Fred Meyer stores in Idaho and Washington, the company announced. The company press release said “most” Fred Meyer stores will have needle-free and traditional options. You may need to call ahead to confirm, if you're looking for the newer version. This is the first time Fred Meyer stores and pharmacies have provided the needle-free injections, said Marc Cecchini, vice president and director of pharmacy for Fred Meyer Stores. Injections use a Biojector, a CO2 gas-propelled system that  delivers medications or vaccines through a sterile single-use syringe/Tom Sowa, Office Hours. More here.

Question: Are you afraid of needles?