FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Local Kroger grocery stores are giving a big donation to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

A month ago the 15 stores held “Zoo Day,” promising to donate 3% of the day’s sales to the Zoo. They announced today in a press release that percentage amounts to $50,000.

Kroger customers were also given the opportunity to donate to the zoo, in exchange for some animal-themed collectible sticker sheets. That effort racked up another $18,275 in donations.

The grocer also funded a $65,000 advertising campaign for the zoo last month.

Since starting the annual effort in 1993, they’ve raised more than $1.7-million for the zoo.

“The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wonderful cultural anchor for Northeast Indiana,” says Kroger President Katie Wolfram. “I can’t think of a more important visitor attraction for our company to support than one that brings so much pleasure and enjoyment to our associates, customers and their families. Kroger is very proud to carry on this long-term partnership for a 24th year. We want to thank our customers and associates in northeast Indiana for their continued support of the zoo. Their efforts are preserving and enhancing one of Fort Wayne’s local treasures.”