BJ's announces charitable donations

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — BJ's Charitable Foundation announced that it has donated $389,200 to 55 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, self-sufficiency, health care and education, the company reported.

Of the grantees, 13 nonprofit organizations with programs to help prevent and alleviate hunger received donations from the BJ's Charitable Foundation. With hunger on the rise, the grants will help shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries purchase and distribute food to those suffering from hunger, the company reported.

The Foundation gave grants to 21 organizations focused on assisting individuals to become self-sufficient. These organizations strive to provide temporary or emergency services to individuals and families who have the goal of becoming independent members of society. The grants will contribute to the enhancement of shelter programs, purchase supplies and clothing for residents, and funding of programs that offer families temporary, safe refuges.

Six nonprofits with programs that provide healthcare to individuals and families will receive grants. The funds will help supply free medical clinics, aid in costs for health prevention services, as well as supplies for vision, dental and hearing screenings provided to individuals who would not normally have access to healthcare.

In the area of education, the Foundation has donated to 15 nonprofits with programs that provide academic and vocational opportunities for the disadvantaged. These programs include the purchase of supplies for literacy skills, mentoring, tutoring and career development.

"The BJ's Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities surrounding our Clubs," said Jessica Newman, manager of community relations for BJ's Wholesale Club. "We are proud to support these organizations that provide care and crucial services for individuals and families in need."

For more information about BJ'S Charitable Foundation visit www.bjs.com/charity.