With $5,000 of the money, he and Kathryn had saved, and with $7,500 borrowed from his wife's aunt, Albertson formed a partnership with L.S.
During the years of World War II, when food was being rationed, he filled the empty shelves with health and beauty products, general household goods, and other non-food items.
His stores promoted war bonds and sponsored scrap drives that collected aluminum, steel, fats, and paper for recycling.
[6] They began focusing their giving primarily on education, which was important to Joe and Kathryn because neither was able to finish college during the Great Depression.
They are committed to accelerating opportunities in Idaho and focus on initiative work that is related to learning, leadership, and community.
[8][9] The 41-acre (17 ha) Kathryn Albertson Park in Boise, with its winding walkways, wildflowers, trees and ponds was gifted to the citizens of Idaho.