Aaron's Reveals Keystone Club Remodel At John Dustin Buckman Branch, Greater Memphis Boys & Girls Club

ATLANTA, Sept. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In a partnership to empower teens in Memphis, 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 a Keystone Club teen center at the John Dustin Buckman Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.

The makeover, which includes new technology, furniture, and fresh coats of paint, was revealed during yesterday's surprise unveiling to teen members of the Keystone Club at the John Dustin Buckman Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. Local Aaron's associates and Boys & Girls Clubs officials were in attendance.

In August, the Aaron's Foundation, Inc. announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Keystone Program, which helps 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 Keystone Club makeover at the John Dustin Buckman Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $30,000.

"After announcing our extended commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America last month, I'm excited to see the immediate and continued impact of our efforts with this refresh in Memphis," said John Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron's, Inc. "Aaron's is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of giving back to the communities where our stores are located, and the Keystone program gives teens the support they need to have a great future."

Based on input from teens, Aaron's associates and BGCA members went to work on Wednesday painting, decorating and furnishing the Club. The teens designed the space to include study, lounge and game areas, and requested bright, special Sherwin Williams™ paint colors for the space: "Gusty Grape", "Jolly Green", "Dynamic Blue" and "Forward Fuchsia."

"It's incredible to see the dramatic transformation of our Keystone Club from just a few days ago," said Ron Nelson, Director of John Dustin Buckman Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. "Our partnership with Aaron's has given the community not only an improved and updated space for teens, but also a demonstration of Aaron's corporate commitment to 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.

To see photos of the Keystone Club remodel at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, visit facebook.com/aaronsinc.

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 2,000 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 16,000 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 www.facebook.com/bgca.clubs and https://twitter.com/BGCA_Clubs.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150918/267970
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130826/CL69318LOGO

SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.

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