BI-LO shoppers who use their Bonus Card can opt to use their earnings to help keep Palmetto State law enforcement officers safe.

BI-LO has partnered with In-Vest USA, a Columbia-based organization that equips law enforcement officers with life-saving body armor, to allow customers to donate one percent of their purchase toward protective gear.

The program operates as follows:

BI-LO shoppers can request a special card by calling Invest’s founder Michael Letts at (803) 556-2528 or via the website at InVestUSA.org.

From now through May 31, shoppers would then have a cashier scan the card the next time they shop at BI-LO, which would automatically set aside one percent of their purchase. 

Volunteers will also be distributing the cards at community events, such as the Sparkleberry Country Fair April 27-28 in Northeast Richland.

The program is scheduled to resume in August.

Letts, who founded InVest in 1993, said: “In-Vest has thrived thanks largely to good corporate citizens like BI-LO who recognize the value in our efforts to save officers' lives. We're excited about this partnership, and BI-LO is certainly to be commended for their generosity." 

"The challenges facing our police, deputies and other first-responders are great. They put their lives on the line for people they do not know, often for little pay, and in an environment where even a routine call can turn tragic," Letts said. "We must not be willing to allow them to serve without a bulletproof vest."