GUILDERLAND — At the grand opening of the new Phillips Hardware Store in Altamont from Sept. 10 to 12, a special “Bucket Sale” will be held to benefit local charities including STRIDE Adaptive Sports — a Capital Region not-for-profit that helps people with disabilities to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

All visitors who make a charity donation at the store will get a free Phillips Hardware bucket, and any store items that can fit inside the bucket can be purchased at a 20-percent discount. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed the fundraising landscape and made it much more difficult,” said Mary Ellen Whitney, the founder and chief executive officer of STRIDE, in a release. “In the coming year, it is estimated that up to a third of all nonprofits will be forced to close their doors. Jon and the entire Phillips family have been long-time friends and supporters of STRIDE, and our athletes are incredibly fortunate that Phillips Hardware is lending a hand during what is traditionally the slowest time in our fundraising year.”

“This past June, Phillips Hardware founder Jon Phillips ran in STRIDE’s charity 5K event,” said Patrick Hayslett, STRIDE’s development director, in the release. “Jon had an inspiring moment as he neared the finish line, crossing paths with Kiernan Hills, a youth athlete with Down syndrome. Jon had just watched a video of Kiernan training hard before the race, and on the final leg Kiernan had begun to run out of steam.

“Jon gave him encouragement and held his hand, and together they crossed the line and finished the race. I think it inspired Jon to do even more to help STRIDE athletes like Kiernan, and we are very grateful for this initiative from Phillips Hardware.”

Information on sponsorship opportunities or how to hold a fundraiser to benefit STRIDE may be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, phayslett@stride.org.