Stewart’s Shops is teaming up with its customers once again to raise money for local children’s charities through its Holiday Match campaign.
It kicked off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Day at all shop locations.
“In these times, nonprofits need our help more than ever with increased strains on staffing, resources and budgets. We are proud to partner with our customers to help those who need it most”, said Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake.
Last year, customers donated an incredible $895,000 to the program, doubling to more than $1.79 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,830 local children’s organizations across the 31 counties where Stewart’s shops are located.
The program started 34 years ago.
“The $30 million success story of the Holiday Match program continues to grow, since 1986, with the hard work of our shop partners and the generosity of our customers. Together, we will help thousands of children in our 31 county market area,” says Amy Potter, Stewart’s Director of Corporate Contributions.
The goal of Holiday Match is to encourage individual giving and broaden the base of support for local charities. Stewart’s Holiday Match is a nonprofit foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.
Local children’s organizations are encouraged to apply for funding online at stewartsshops.com.
The deadline for submission is Jan. 31.
All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.
Officials said unlike most charitable programs, the Holiday Match has zero administrative fees. The program only accepts cash donations which eliminates credit card processing fees; and 100 percent of the donations are allocated for children’s charity groups. Every $1 is matched, which means donations are actually doubled. Personal checks are accepted.
