Aaron's And Progressive Leasing Unveil Keystone Makeover For Oklahoma City Teens

Through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and input from the teen members, Aaron's associates and Club officials worked Monday on painting, decorating and furnishing a multipurpose space at the Club. On Wednesday, local Aaron's associates and Club officials unveiled 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 space: Balanced Beige, Silken Peacock, Reseda Green, and Chalkboard Paint.

"Aaron's is committed to the communities we serve, and we're proud to continue our longstanding philanthropic tradition of giving to these deserving Oklahoma City teens," said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron's, Inc. "We're thankful for our relationship with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and we join them in their steadfast commitment to offering resources to at-risk teens."

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.

"Aaron's transformation of our Teen Center into a modern, state-of-the-art facility will provide our teens with the tools they need to lead a successful life," said Traci Jinkens, Development Director of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City. "This partnership with Aaron's has granted our teens a firsthand example of how giving back impacts the community while providing them with the resources necessary to achieve academic and professional success."

The makeover at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $25,000. The 24 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys & Girls Clubs in cities such as Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Keystone teen members of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City said the program inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve.

"I think Keystone is a group that prepares leaders for the future. We are able to make a difference in our community. We want more people to come to the Club so we can create a line of future leaders." NaJahahn J., 16 years old

"Keystone is a group where we stand at our highest. A group that works together to help the community strive for greatness. A group where we can be one." Isacc G., 15 years old

"Keystone makes me feel like I can actually be a leader and not a follower. Keystone is a place where I have friends to talk to. I like Keystone because any activity we do, we do together as a team." Teddy M., 14 years old

To see photos of the Keystone Club remodel at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City, visit Aaron's on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aaronsinc), on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AaronsInc) and at www.aarons.com/aaronsgives. 

About Aaron's, Inc.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), is a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions. The Aaron's Business engages in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories through its more than 1,750 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. In addition, Progressive Leasing, a virtual lease-to-own company, provides lease-purchase solutions through approximately 27,000 retail locations in 46 states. Dent-A-Med, Inc., d/b/a the HELPcard®, provides a variety of second-look credit products that are originated through federally insured banks. For more information, visit investor.aarons.com, Aarons.com, ProgLeasing.com, and HELPcard.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, 54 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.

SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.

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