Kohl's launches youth award program Kohl's launches youth award program (March 04, 2005)

Volunteers to compete for prizes, scholarships

Kohl's department stores have launched their fifth annual "Kids Who Care" program to recognize youths who contribute to their communities. With Kohl's new store at 4525 Rosewood Drive in the Metro 580 shopping center, the nationally acclaimed program is now open to Pleasanton and other Tri-Valley residents between 6 and 18 years of age.

"Kohl's wants to encourage children to volunteer," said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing at Kohl's. "For the last five years, the Kohl's Kids Who Care program has recognized and rewarded the volunteer efforts of children in each of our Kohl's communities. From now through March 15, adults can nominate amazing young volunteers for this chance to win a $5,000 scholarship."

Nominees will be judged in two separate age groups, 6 to 12 years old, and 12 to 18.

This year, Kohl's will recognize more than 1,000 young volunteers across the country, and more than 100 will receive scholarships for their post-secondary education. In addition, Kohl's will award 10 national finalists $5,000 scholarships for post-secondary education and $1,000 grants to a nonprofit benefactor of their choice.

Two winners from each age group will be selected at Kohl's 637 stores, including the store in Pleasanton. Winners will receive $50 gift cards and will go on to compete for one of 138 regional scholarships worth $1,000 each. Regional winners will compete for one of the 10 national scholarships.

Gardner said the Kohl's Kids Who Care volunteer recognition program is part of the company's community outreach effort that raises funds for children's hospitals, features fundraising gift cards for local schools and youth groups, and provides an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

Nomination forms are available at Kohl's in Pleasanton or online at www.kohlscorporation.com. Winners will be announced in July.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.