Submitted by Aaron’s, Inc.
Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions, and its divisions Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing, surprised Washington teens on Wednesday with a freshly renovated Keystone Teen Center at the Lacey Branch Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County.
Through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and input from the teen members, Aaron’s associates and Club officials worked on Tuesday decorating and furnishing the club’s multipurpose space. On Wednesday, local Aaron’s associates and Club officials revealed the new space, which is now equipped with new technology, sectionals, tables and chairs, sound systems and fresh coats of paint. Teens chose the special Sherwin-Williams paint colors for the room.
“The Boys & Girls Club equips Olympia teens with the confidence necessary to achieve their goals and grow into successful community leaders,” said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron’s, Inc. “Aaron’s is honored to continue its longtime partnership with the Boy & Girls Club of America to provide these teens with the latest furniture, technology and appliances to achieve future success and fulfill their dreams.”
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder attended the unveiling and addressed the crowd. “The Lacey Branch Boys & Girls Club provides our teens with the opportunity to be part of a meaningful organization, take ownership of their futures and grow into successful leaders. It was a touching experience to part of this joyous reveal and I’m thankful to Aaron’s for their support of the Boys & Girls Clubs.”
In 2015, the Aaron’s Foundation, Inc. announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Keystone Program, helping teens 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 Boys & Girls Club provides the teens of Olympia with an encouraging space that fosters positive growth and success,” said Mike Babuta, branch director of the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County. “The new state-of-the-art technology, furniture and appliances graciously provided by Aaron’s will help us continue to instill confidence in our teens and achieve their goals.”
The 28 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys & Girls Clubs in cities such as Pittsfield, Manchester, Las Vegas, Chicago, Hartford and Miami. The makeover at Lacey Branch Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $26,000.
Keystone teen members of the Lacey Branch Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County said the program inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve.
- “Keystone is important because we are building relationships with the community and creating new leaders.” A’zah H. (pronounced “Asia”), 16
- “Keystone makes me feel like I belong to a group.” Dylan B., 16
- “Keystone gives us an opportunity to connect with our community, explore different career paths, and prepares us to be leaders.” Emily T., 17
- “Keystone helps our community and gives back to those who are in need.” Faith D., 15
To see photos of the Keystone Club remodel at the Lacey Branch Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County, visit Aaron’s on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aaronsinc), on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AaronsInc) and at www.AaronsGives.com.
