BJ's Charitable Foundation Donates nearly $1.7 Million to 265 Charitable Organizations Focusing on Hunger Prevention, Education, Self-sufficiency and Health Care

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BJ's Charitable Foundation today announced a donation of $1,689,150 to 265 nonprofit organizations in the 15 states where BJ's Wholesale Clubs are located. The donated funds will be dispersed to organizations that focus in four areas: hunger prevention, education, self sufficiency and healthcare.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120313/NE69393LOGO )

"The goal of BJ's Charitable Foundation is to create a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities in which BJ's serves," said Jessica Newman, Executive Director for the BJ's Charitable Foundation. "Giving back is in the DNA of BJ's Wholesale Club, and the donations from the BJ's Charitable Foundation will impact tens of thousands of individuals and families, resulting in a better community for us all."

Hunger Prevention
According to Feeding America, one in six people in the US struggle with hunger.  BJ's Charitable Foundation will donate $557,500 to 71 organizations with programs to help prevent and alleviate hunger. The grants will help shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries purchase and distribute food to those suffering from hunger.

Education
BJ's Charitable Foundation will also support 80 nonprofits that provide academic and vocational opportunities for the disadvantaged. $442,550 will be donated to purchase supplies for literacy skills, mentoring, tutoring and career development programs.

Self Sufficiency
Each year, more than three million people experience homelessness, including 1.3 million children, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. 80 nonprofits that provide temporary or emergency services to those who have the goal of becoming independent members of society will receive $495,600.

Healthcare
Thirty-four organizations that provide healthcare services to individuals and families that would not normally have access to healthcare will receive more than $193,500. The funds will help supply medical clinics and aid in costs for health prevention services, supplies for vision, dental and hearing screenings.

For a complete list of organizations that received grants, see:
http://www.bjs.com/about/news/content/item1,393.shtml

Since its inception in 2005, the BJ's Charitable Foundation has donated nearly $16 million to over 1,800 community organizations. The noted organizations receiving grants from BJ's Charitable Foundation submitted proposals in January, April and July of 2012. All recipients are 501(c)3 charitable organizations that support services in the regions where BJ's Wholesale Clubs are located.

About BJ's Charitable Foundation
BJ's Charitable Foundation was established with the mission to enrich every community BJ's Wholesale Clubs serve.  The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that primarily benefit the underprivileged in the area of basic needs (hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, education and health).  For more information about BJ's Charitable Foundation, please visit, www.bjs.com/charity

SOURCE BJ’s Charitable Foundation