Staples Foundation for Learning Recognizes Youth for Development of Eco-friendly Project
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and Staples Foundation for Learning, a private foundation created by Staples, Inc., today announced Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley's Westmoreland Branch Torch Club as the winner of the Staples Foundation for Learning National Service Project Award. For the second year in a row, Staples Foundation for Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized youth-led programs that reinforce the importance of caring for the environment through renewing, preserving and beautifying outdoor spaces.
The Emerald Valley Torch Club's National Service Project, "BEE-Great - Pollinate," addressed the impact a decline in bee population and eventual extinction would have on the country's gardens and crops. The project was one of five national finalists from Torch Clubs around the country. Through this project, Torch Club members in Eugene, Oregon raised funds to build nesting boxes for bees – using recycled materials – and learned about the important role bees play in the environment. Their findings were presented in a video documentary that was shared with fellow Club members. The members also demonstrated an exemplary sense of community by donating their nesting boxes to local schools that have gardens.
Winners of the competition were determined by a panel of judges and by the public, via an online poll. The judges included Rajeev Kapur, founder of Greenwala, an online environmental community; Blogger Jenn Savedge of The Green Parent; Jim Caulfield, senior vice president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America; and Joy Errico, director of Community Relations for Staples, Inc. The online poll enabled thousands of people to recognize Boys & Girls Clubs Torch Club members who took action in addressing environmental issues within their communities.
In second place is Boys & Girls Clubs Town of Wallkill in Circleville, New York. Their Torch Club will receive $1,000 for their "Butterfly Garden" project, which was created in response to the devastation of butterfly habitats in the community resulting from the recent building of nearby homes and roads. As part of the project, Club members volunteered at local farms and nurseries to learn about butterfly gardening. With donations of plants, flowers and topsoil, Torch Club members prepared and planted the garden and presented their project to the local community during a public dedication ceremony.
"Our young people never cease to amaze me with their creativity, passion and leadership skills. We are so incredibly proud of members at both the Emerald Valley and Wallkill Clubs for their efforts in educating their Clubs and communities about environmental issues that are important to us all." said Judith J. Pickens, senior vice president of Programs and Youth Development Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of America inspires millions of children worldwide through innovative programs such as Torch Clubs," said Paul Capelli, vice president of public relations for Staples, Inc. "Staples Foundation for Learning is honored to play a leadership role in the work of this great organization, providing youth the confidence they need to become the leaders of tomorrow."
The remaining finalists, which each received $500 in prize money, included the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties Torch Club in Petaluma, CA, which led a community recycling initiative; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington Torch Club in Vancouver, WA, which built birdhouses and feeders for a local animal refuge; and Boys & Girls Club of Vineland Torch Club in Vineland, NJ, which created a community garden at the Club facilities for everyone to enjoy.
Since 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has been the national supporter of BGCA's Torch Club program, which serves more than 15,000 youth across the United States and on military bases overseas. To date, SFFL has donated more than $11 million in monetary and in-kind product donations to BGCA to fund the program. Torch Clubs have helped thousands of young people realize their full potential by fostering positive self-esteem and personal growth, building communication skills and reinforce academic achievement.
Torch Clubs are chartered, small groups for Boys & Girls Club members, ages 11 to 13, which focus on the development of character and leadership skills. Staples Foundation for Learning's support enables BGCA to continue to provide training, programming and support to help meet the special needs of younger adolescents at this very critical stage in their development.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.
About Staples Foundation for Learning
Founded in 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has contributed more than $17 million to global, national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning builds lasting relationships with world-class organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Ashoka, Earth Force and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The foundation is the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. and is an integral component of Staples Soul, which recognizes the connection between long-term business success and the impact Staples has on associates, communities and the planet. For more information about the foundation and Staples Soul, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org and www.staples.com/soul.
Contacts:
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Jennifer Sibley, 404-487-5321
jsibley@bgca.org
or
For
Staples Foundation for Learning
Eva Pereira, 781-559-0424
eva.pereira@rfbinder.com
