Aeropostale and DoSomething.org Collect Over One Million Jeans for Homeless Teens Through 4th Annual 'Teens for Jeans' Campaign

NEW YORK, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Teens throughout the US and Canada joined forces in their schools and communities for teen retailer Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) and DoSomething.org's 4th Annual "Teens for Jeans" campaign. This year, 542,000 jeans were collected bringing the campaign's four year total to over 1.2 million jeans collected for homeless teens.

"It is amazing what teens can do when they join together to make a difference," says Aeropostale's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Scott Birnbaum. "Teens for Jeans is the largest jean drive in the world, collecting over 1 million jeans. We are thrilled to see our teens, store associates, and communities rally behind the fight against teen homelessness."

"Young people continuously impress us with their enthusiasm for helping their peers," says DoSomething.org Business Development representative Brittany Castaneda. "Each year, the campaign's popularity grows bigger, allowing our service to youth shelters to expand.  'Teens for Jeans' truly strengthens communities and shows the upcoming generation of leaders' commitment to a better world."

The Hollywood community also rallied behind the cause. Spokespeople Matt Lanter and Jessica Lowndes (90210) were joined by Drew Barrymore, Ellen DeGeneres, Enrique Iglesias, Nikki Blonsky, Keri Hilson, Jay Sean, Nigel Barker, Kris Allen, Sara Canning (Vampire Diaries), the cast of ABC's The Bachelor, Tia Mowry, the hosts of the G4 Network, JoJo, and more in lending their support and donating jeans.

"This is such a powerful and far reaching initiative," explains Matt Lanter. "I am thrilled to see how many jeans were collected in just four weeks and how many teens rallied behind this cause to make this happen."

All jeans collected were donated directly to over 1000 homeless shelters and charities in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Over 4,590 schools ran jean drives nationwide. To celebrate their efforts, students who collected more than 500 pairs of jeans will receive a banner for their school and recognition on the DoSomething.org and Aeropostale web sites. Franklin County High School in Winchester, TN, which led donations by collecting 3692 pairs, will receive $5000 and a party for the school. Students at Franklin County High partnered with local businesses, media outlets, and even recorded their own PSA to promote the drive and collect jeans.

To learn more taking action against teen homelessness, visit www.teensforjeans.com.

About Aeropostale, Inc.

Aeropostale, Inc. is a mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale® stores and 7 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale® stores. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale® maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale® products can only be purchased in its Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale® products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale® stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 906 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 59 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 49 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 13 states.

About DoSomething.org

Do Something believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. We leverage communication technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action.  Recipient of Fast Company's Social Capitalist Award in 2008 and Webby People's Voice Award for best Youth Website in 2009, Do Something inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: Teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

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SOURCE Aeropostale, Inc.