The Rite Aid Foundation has selected Youth Challenge participate in its 2020 KidCents program, which annually supports a select group of nonprofit, kid-focused organizations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid serves.
“We are so grateful to the Rite Aid Foundation for their continued support of Youth Challenge through the KidsCents program,” said Chris Garr, Chief Executive Officer. “These vital dollars will support our recreational programs for hundreds of children with physical disabilities and their teen volunteers.”
In addition to being selected as a KidCents charity, Youth Challenge will receive a $5,000 grant, which will be used to support Youth Challenge’s sports and recreation for children with physical disabilities and their teen volunteers. Each year, Youth Challenge offers adapted sports, recreation, art, and life-skills training to hundreds of participants and their teen volunteers. Seasonal programs include basketball, baseball, swimming, skiing, tennis, arts and crafts, music, sailing, bowling, nature programs, dancing and field trips. Activities are tailored to fit the needs of children with physical disabilities. YC offers three program seasons – fall, winter/spring, and summer. No family is every charged for participation in YC programming.
Since 2015, Youth Challenge has received KidsCents funding, which has allowed YC to expand and continue vital programs. We are very grateful to the Rite Aid Foundation for their support. The Rite Aid Foundation welcomed a total of 481 nonprofits to its 2020 KidCents class – its largest class ever.
The number of KidCents charities has more than doubled since the program’s inception in 2014, when 204 nonprofits comprised the inaugural class. Over seven years, The Rite Aid Foundation has contributed a total of more than $34 million to KidCents charities across the country, thanks to members of Rite Aid’s loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, rounding up their in-store or online purchases to donate to KidCents.
“More than 3 million Rite Aid customers actively choose to make meaningful contributions to help children in their communities through KidCents. The program’s growth is a testament to their generosity and commitment to building safer, stronger and more supportive communities for youth across the country,” said Jessica Kazmaier, president of The Rite Aid Foundation and Rite Aid chief human resources officer. “The 2020 KidCents class has the opportunity to prove that change adds up exponentially, and we look forward to helping them achieve their goal of giving kids better lives and brighter futures.”
About Youth Challenge
Founded in 1976, Youth Challenge is a privately-funded 501c (3) nonprofit corporation that serves more than 100 children with disabilities and nearly 400 youth volunteers each year. The organization brings together children with physical disabilities and youth volunteers who enrich each other’s lives through one-on-one participation in adapted sports and recreational activities. Youth Challenge currently serves more than 300 families in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Summit, Medina, and Geauga Counties.
About The Rite Aid Foundation
Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $68 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $92 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.
About the KidCents Program
Through the KidCents program, which is The Rite Aid Foundation’s charitable giving program dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid services, members of Rite Aid’s loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and donate their change to KidCents. Members can also choose to direct their change to a specific KidCents charity by visiting www.kidcents.com. For more information, visit www.kidcents.com.
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering health care services and retail products to over 1.6 million Americans daily. Our pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage with customers and improve their health outcomes. We provide an array of whole being health products and services for the entire family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 18 states. Through EnvisionRxOptions, we also deliver pharmacy benefit management to approximately 1,900 clients and 3.4 million members. For more information, visit www.riteaid.com.