Rite Aid Associates Celebrate “15 Years of Miracles” by Selling $1 Paper Miracle Balloons at more than 4,900 Stores Nationwide

100 Percent of Funds Raised From March 29 to May 16 Benefit 118 Children’s Hospitals Across the U.S.

Camp Hill, PA, March 24, 2009 – On Sunday, March 29, Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) will kick off its 15th annual national fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network. During the campaign, which runs through May 16, more than 109,000 associates at Rite Aid stores, distribution centers and corporate offices nationwide will sell $1 paper Miracle Balloons to raise money for their local children’s hospital.

This year’s campaign, “15 Years of Miracles,” is in honor of all of the miracles that have happened for millions of children and their families, thanks in part to the efforts of Rite Aid associates, suppliers and customers. Since 1994, Rite Aid has raised over $36 million for 118 pediatric hospitals. Every year, one hundred percent of the proceeds raised go to local children’s hospitals to benefit children’s health programs.

In 2008, Rite Aid associates raised nearly $5 million for Children’s Miracle Network. In addition to selling $1 paper Miracle Balloons, Rite Aid associates host special events to raise funds for the charity including motorcycle rides, comedy shows and bowling tournaments. Last year, a store manager in Conway, PA, truly went the distance for the children in his community, walking 44 miles in 15 hours and raising over $4,200 for his local children’s hospital. At the company’s headquarters in Camp Hill, PA, executives washed employees’ cars and competed in a series of sporting events, raising nearly $200,000 for the local children’s hospital.

“One of our core values is that we are a caring neighbor, involved in community activities in meaningful ways,” said Mary Sammons, Rite Aid chairman and CEO. “I’m so proud of the commitment and dedication Rite Aid associates have to Children’s Miracle Network. Each year they go above and beyond to raise funds for their local children’s hospitals, because they know they’re making a difference, helping to save and improve the lives of millions of children.”

“Children's Miracle Network has worked very closely with Rite Aid and all of their associates for the past 14 years,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network. “They continue to raise an astonishing amount of money that helps save children's lives. Children's Miracle Network is proud to have Rite Aid on our team.”

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,900 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2009 annual sales of more than $26.1 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at http://www.riteaid.com.