ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc.
(NYSE: AAN), a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase
solutions, and its divisions Aaron's and Progressive Leasing,
surprised teens last week with a newly renovated Keystone Teen
Center at the Asylum Hill Boys & Girls Club of Hartford. The event marked the 23rd
refresh by Aaron's, Inc. and Progressive Leasing in communities
across the U.S.
Through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(BGCA) and input from the teen members, Aaron's associates and Club
officials worked last Monday painting, decorating and furnishing a
multipurpose space at the Club which includes a computer study
area, game zone and lounge space. 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: Lemon Twist and
Fountain.
"We're thrilled to provide furniture, consumer electronics, home
appliances and accessories to the Asylum Hill Boys & Girls Club
to improve the lives of at-risk youth in Connecticut," said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron's, Inc. "Aaron's is
committed to building strong communities by investing in the
futures of young people across the country and we look forward to
continuing that tradition."
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.
The 22 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys &
Girls Clubs in cities such as Los
Angeles, San Antonio,
Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago and Milwaukee. The makeover at the Asylum Hill
Boys & Girls Club of Hartford
includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at
$28,000.
"Our ultimate goal is to
provide life-changing programs and resources for as many
teens as possible, and this renovation certainly makes that
possible," said Samuel S. Gray, Jr., President & CEO of
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. "Aaron's has helped give our teen
members the opportunity to engage in programs that further their
academic development and have access to resources to support
their long-term college and career goals."
Keystone teen members of the Asylum Hill Boys & Girls Club
of Hartford said the program
inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives
they deserve.
"Keystone has impacted my life
by providing new opportunities. It has helped me become a
better leader and makes me excited to represent my Club in our
community. I am really excited to take on the leadership role
as the President of my Keystone Club!" Kaycia N., 16 years
old
"Keystone has given me more
opportunities to give back to my Club and community. This is
something that I will take with me for the rest of my life." Andre
T., 14 years old
"Keystone has allowed me to
learn and try new things that I never would have otherwise.
It has made me be a better leader in and outside of the
Club." --Laisha M., 16 years old
To see photos of the Keystone Club remodel at the Asylum Hill
Boys & Girls Club of Hartford,
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 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 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(http://www.bgca.org) has enabled young people most in need to
achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Today, 4,300 Clubs serve 4 million young people annually 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, friendship, and high-impact
youth development programs on a daily basis during critical
non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize 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.
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SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.