ATLANTA, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --In a partnership to empower teens in Los Angeles, Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to remodel the Keystone Club teen center at the Port of L.A. in Los Angeles.
The makeover, which includes a lounge area, a game area and a college-themed study room, was unveiled last Friday and attended by more than 100 teens who are members of the Port of L.A. Keystone Club and visitors. Aaron's associates from area stores and Boys & Girls Clubs officials were in attendance.
Last year, Aaron's Foundation, Inc. announced a $1 million national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Keystone Program, which empowers teens to develop their character and leadership skills in hopes of helping them reach their potential and creating positive change in the community. Keystone Club teen centers provide members ages 14-18 an environment to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach. The Keystone Club makeover at Port of L.A. Boys & Girls Club includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $32,000.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America Keystone Club program with this makeover in Los Angeles," said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron's, Inc. "There are 80 teens who attend this Club daily and this makeover will energize their efforts to invite more teens to participate in leadership development opportunities."
The Port of L.A. Club, which opened in 2002 in San Pedro near a public housing community, includes a gym, high school center, music education studio, fine arts center and separate game area for youth in grades 4-8. After getting input from teens on what they wanted in a refurbished Keystone Club, Aaron's associates and BGCA members went to work last Wednesday painting, decorating and furnishing the Club. The teens designed the space to include separate spaces for games, study and meetings, with Aaron's contributing new electronics, furniture, wall art and paint.
"In a matter of days, Aaron's helped us transform an outdated and underutilized space into a fantastic-looking, functional Keystone Club that our teens can be proud of for years to come," said Hilda Chacon, director of Port of L.A. Boys & Girls Club. "Our partnership with Aaron's has provided not only a great space for our teens, but also a great lesson for them on the importance of giving back to the community."
Aaron's hopes its partnership with BGCA's Keystone Program inspires teens to "Own It" by taking ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve. The Aaron's and Keystone Club "Own Your Future" campaign supports three principles:
- Own Your Path: No matter where you come from, the future is yours to decide.
- Own Your Decisions: Making good choices opens more doors for your future.
- Own Your Community: Use your talents to make an impact in your community.
About Aaron's, Inc.
Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, currently has more than 2,100 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Aaron's was founded in 1955, is headquartered in Atlanta and has been publicly traded since 1982. Progressive Leasing, a wholly-owned subsidiary and leading virtual lease-to-own company, provides lease-purchase solutions through approximately 15,000 retail locations in 46 states. Aaron's, Inc. includes the Aarons.com, ShopHomeSmart.com and ProgLeasing.com brands. For more information, visit www.aarons.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
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SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.
Garet Hayes; garet.hayes@aarons.com; 678-402-3863