BJ’s Adopts More Schools

BJ’s Wholesale Club has revealed the local elementary schools chosen to be part of the retailer’s 2013-14 Adopt-a-School Program. Each school selected this year will receive a $500 check to use for field trips, special events, new equipment or curriculum improvements, in addition to a one-year BJ’s membership.

Since it began 18 years ago, the initiative has aided more than 2,575 elementary schools across the Westborough, Mass.-based company’s market area, which spans 201 clubs and 114 gas stations in 15 eastern states.

“Supporting educational programs is an important focus area for BJ’s Wholesale Club’s charitable giving,” said Jessica Newman, the retailer’s assistant VP of community affairs. “Our hope is that the schools use this business-to-school partnership to help provide students with opportunities they may not otherwise have.”

For instance, the Fred C. Underhill School, an adopted school in Hooksett, N.H., plans to use the $500 for its first annual Community Barbecue.

“There is a lot of evidence that links a safe and positive school environment, coupled with an engaged local community, to successful students, and part of that positive school environment is to help children learn better communication and collaboration skills,” explained Fred C. Underhill Principal J. Andrew Bairstow. “The more our schools and businesses can provide opportunities for children to utilize and see these skills modeled by all members of the school community, the better prepared the children will be on their journeys to college and career readiness.”

The full list of schools is available online.