As part of a nation-wide donation of over $2 million to KidCents charities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville was granted $5,000 through the Rite Aid Foundation Full of Thanks Holiday Program.

The program provides $5,000 grants to over 400 KidCents charities across the country totaling nearly $2.1 million in grants, according to a release from the Rite Aid Foundation. The donations are made in an effort to help KidCents charities improve the health, safety and well-being of children in their communities.

KidCents charities are organizations that partner with the Rite Aid Foundation through the KidCent Program. The program allows Rite Aid in-store and online Rite Aid loyalty customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate that change to KidCents.

“We are Full of Thanks to The Rite Aid Foundation for recognizing and supporting all we do throughout the year to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth,” Jenni Masterson, Executive Director of BBBS of Zanesville, said. “Thanks to partners like The Rite Aid Foundation, we look forward to continuing our work to make a difference in the lives of children in our communities this holiday season and in the new year.”

The funds donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville will be used to support the organization’s one-to-one mentoring program.

Since 2017, the holiday campaign through Rite Aid has donated a total of $6.5 million.

“Our KidCents partner charities embody Rite Aid’s commitment to be a caring neighbor in the communities we serve. There is no better time than GivingTuesday to show our appreciation to these organizations for all they do throughout the year,” Jessica Kazmaier, President of The Rite Aid Foundation Board of Directors and chief human resources officer for Rite Aid, said. “This is our way to show we are full of thanks for our partners and the important work they do to provide kids with better lives, brighter futures and increased opportunities.”

Other organizations that benefit from the Full of Thanks Holiday Program include the Children’s Cancer Association in Portland, Oregon, the Leg Up Farm in Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania, the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program in Detroit, Michigan, the Adaptive Sports Program in Dalton, Ohio, and EQUI-KIDS in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“We are grateful for The Rite Aid Foundation’s support on GivingTuesday and throughout the year,” Regina Ellis, founder and Chief Joy Officer of the Children’s Cancer Association, said. “Improving the lives of children, especially those battling a serious illness, requires commitment, relentless dedication and partnership. We are proud to have a powerful and committed ally like The Rite Aid Foundation to help us continue our important work.”

To learn more about BBBS of Zanesville, click here.