Reading Youth Volunteer in Running to Receive Scholarship for Community Service

The following was submitted by Kohl's:

The Kohl’s Department Stores’ Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recognized Kelsey Hart, 9, of Reading and more than 2,200 young volunteers nationwide who have made a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism. Forty-nine youth from Massachusetts will each receive a $50 gift card and recognition certificate from Kohl’s to honor their community service efforts.

In 2012, Kohl’s celebrates its 12^th year of rewarding remarkable young volunteers. These winners qualify for the chance to receive a $1,000 regional scholarship for post-secondary education, which Kohl’s will award in July.

Of the more than 200 regional winners, 10 national winners will each receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf. In total this year, Kohl’s will recognize more than 2,200 young volunteers with more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes. 

“Kohl’s is thrilled to recognize more than 2,200 young volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to bettering the communities in which we live,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Every effort, large or small, makes a difference. Through theKohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, we strive to not only recognize these efforts but also encourage outstanding youth to improve their communities through volunteerism.” 

A list of all winners from Massachusetts is available online. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 17,000 kids, including the 2012 winners, with nearly $3.5 million in scholarships and prizes. 

The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl’s Cares, Kohl’s philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. Kohl’s Cares benefits children’s health and education initiatives nationwide through its merchandise program, featuring special books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s initiatives; fundraising gift cards for schools and youth serving organizations and the Associates in Action associate volunteer program. For more information on the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, visit their website.