GOUVERNEUR -- Kinney Drugs announces the opening of this year’s voting period for the company’s annual Favorite Pharmacist & Employee Contest.

The contest winners are announced each October to celebrate American Pharmacist Month and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Month.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Who’s Your Hero?” to acknowledge the important role of frontline healthcare workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of COVID, the contest will be held virtually for the first time, via an online voting form.

Throughout September, Kinney pharmacy patients and customers are invited to vote for their favorite Pharmacist and/or employee at www.kinneydrugs.com.

Each person who votes will be entered to win one of three $500 Kinney Drugs shopping sprees.

In late October, the two individuals who receive the most votes among all 96 Kinney Drugs stores will be named this year’s Favorite Pharmacist and Favorite Employee.

They will each be surprised with a visit and presented with a special plaque from the company’s CEO and divisional president.

In addition, each winner will designate a local charity to receive a $1,000 donation in their honor from Kinney Drugs.