Aaron's Surprises "Homes for the Holidays" Single-Parent in D.C. with House Full of Furniture

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Oct 02, 2014, 03:35 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, in a surprise unveiling this week, filled the home presented to single mom Rodneyca Gray and her children with furniture including three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a TV and computer, as part of Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) Homes for the Holidays program and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. The Gray home marks the 102^nd home that Aaron's has filled with furniture in partnership with Warrick Dunn Charities "Homes for the Holidays" program.

(L to R): Habitat for Humanity of Washington D.C. President and CEO Susanne Slater, Aaron's Divisional Vice President Brock Roberts, Homeowner Rodneyca Gray, Habitat for Humanity of Washington D.C. Director of Housing Programs and Community Advocacy Orlando Velez and Rodneyca Gray's son Rodney. (PRNewsFoto/Aaron's, Inc.)

Gil Danielson, Aaron's interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, said, "Aaron's believes in creating strong neighborhoods because we know this is the foundation of vibrant and growing communities. As our 102^nd home recipient in partnership with Warrick Dunn Charities' Homes for the Holidays, we commend Ms. Gray for her inspiring story and creating a supportive environment for her young family."

Homes for the Holidays assists single parents becoming first-time homeowners by providing the materials necessary for long-term stability and the provisions required to ensure that both parent and children can thrive educationally, socially and economically. To date, in partnership with Aaron's, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity affiliates, WDC and its sponsors have rewarded 102 single parents and their children and dependents across the nation for achieving the American Dream of first-time homeownership in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, Tallahassee, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Aaron's has been a longtime supporter of Warrick Dunn Charities initiatives and began contributing the furnishings for the Homes for the Holidays program in 2003.

Gray plans to become an active community member in her new neighborhood by attending Neighborhood Commission meetings and she seeks to help others overcome obstacles as well. She said, "I want to inspire others who might think they can't beat their past. If I can do this, I can do anything."

The family was joined by Aaron's Divisional Vice President Brock Roberts, Aaron's Executive Assistant Fiona Moxley, Aaron's Senior Regional Manager Joe Herrera, Aaron's Regional Manager Tom Young, and Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. Director of Housing Programs and Community Advocacy Orlando Velez.

The furniture contributions by Aaron's were made on behalf of ACORP, Aaron's Community Outreach Program, which supports neighborhoods and communities across the country in which Aaron's stores are located. Warrick Dunn Charities, based in Atlanta, partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. to choose a single-family home with proven progress and financial stability.

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 offers its services through more than 2,100 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. For more information, visit www.aarons.com. Aaron's, Inc. includes the Aarons.com, ShopHomeSmart.com and ProgFinance.com brands. Progressive Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary and leading virtual lease-to-own company, provides lease-purchase solutions through over 15,000 retail locations in 46 states.

About Warrick Dunn Charities
Warrick Dunn Charities provides hope and healing to communities through innovative programming inspired by our Founder's life journey. Since 1997, the Homes for the Holidays program has rewarded 138 single parents and 380 children and dependents that have achieved first-time homeownership in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, Tallahassee, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Serving single-parent families nationwide, WDC and its partners have combatted poverty, hunger and ensure families have basic necessities and comfortable surroundings to improve their quality of life. Betty's Hope, a mobile children's bereavement program provides students aged 5-18 with a safe and responsive environment for them to heal and enhance their quality of life after experiencing a loss. For more information, visit www.wdc.org.