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The Rite Aid Foundation Donates $5,000 to Youth Services System Inc. for KidCents Thanks for Giving Holiday Program
Posted 02/07/19
Homeless and Transitioning Youth in Ohio Valley Will Receive Assistance
Contact: Betsy Bethel-McFarland, 304-218-2870
WHEELING, W.Va. (Nov. 27, 2018) -- In celebration of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media, Youth Services System Inc. has received a $5,000 grant as part of the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program. The grant will be used to serve homeless youth and young adults in the agency’s Transitional Living Program.
An additional $2,500 will be awarded the KidCents charity whose #GivingTuesday social media posts receive the most likes, shares and comments.
“We are pleased to be a part of the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program,” said, John Moses, CEO of Youth Services System. “This #GivingTuesday, and every day, The Rite Aid Foundation’s support helps us to continue improving the lives of children in our community. Through their stewardship, more homeless youth will have a chance to land on their feet and lead productive lives.”
The Transitional Living Program serves youth who are aging out of the foster care program who were never adopted, are too old to remain in care or have parents who cannot support them. They receive shelter and learn how to budget, shop, cook and otherwise care for themselves -- and in some cases their children -- while living at McCrary Center in Wheeling or Tuel Center in New Martinsville. Youth out in the community also are propped up by the safety net of resources the program is able to provide, such as rent, utility payments and food. Just as vital is the support they receive from staff who build relationships with them and become their mentors, people they can rely on long after receiving direct services.
The Rite Aid Foundation is awarding a total of $2.2 million through its KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program. This special program has been created to help the more than 440 KidCents charities across the country advance their efforts to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of children.
“#GivingTuesday is a global celebration of giving, and on this day, we wanted to recognize our KidCents charities for all they do to make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “Through the KidCents Thanks For Giving Holiday program, we want to recognize and support orgainzations that are focused on giving all year round. We thank all our KidCents charity partners for helping to give kids better lives and brighter futures.”
Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid's loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 440 nonprofit organizations focused on improving the health and wellbeing of children. For more information, visit www.kidcents.com.
Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $36 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $87 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with fiscal 2018 annual revenues of $21.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.
About Youth Services System, Inc.
Youth Services System, Inc. is committed to responding to the complex needs of youth at serious risk. For over 44 years, Youth Services System, Inc. has reached thousands of youth and their families with our shelter, residential, community-based and professional services. Together with youth and their families, we work to improve their physical and emotional well-being, to address the debilitating effects of abuse, addiction, and trauma, and to build the skills and connections they need to be successful. Supported by our volunteer Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and faithful community support, Youth Services System, Inc. makes an impact in the lives of youth. For more information, visit www.youthservicessystem.org.
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