According to Chandler, the donations don't cost the commissaries or shoppers any money. The prizes and activities associated with the promotions are provided by brokers and manufacturers as part of their marketing plans and do not affect prices.
Manufacturers donate to the charitable concerns based on how much is sold during a promotion.
The promotions she said, increase excitement in the commissaries. The manufacturer increases sales and creates good will for the company and its products. Customers benefit from special prices, extra savings with coupons, contest drawings, and product samplings. Installations get donations for designated projects. Every July, the Community Appreciation Sale is a major commissary promotion benefiting installations.