Dacula Youth Earns Kohl’s Cares Regional Scholarship

The Kohl’s Department Stores’ (NYSE: KSS) Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program today announced more than 200 volunteers nationwide have been awarded $1,000 scholarships toward post-secondary education.

was one of five Atlanta area youths honored for her volunteer work.

McClain and her father started Shoes for the Souls in 2009 to collect new and slightly used shoes to donate to the Atlanta Mission, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping the homeless population of Atlanta. Last year, McClain collected nearly 1,600 pairs of shoes.

McClain was chosen from more than 37,000 nominees nationwide for making a positive impact on her community.

“Kohl's has rewarded thousands of amazing kids through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program and this year alone, we are recognizing nearly 2,200 stand out youth who are making a difference with their volunteer time,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer in a released statement. “From feeding the homeless at a local shelter, collecting goods for the less fortunate or volunteering time at a community garden, these kids are making a huge impact on communities nationwide. We are inspired by their stories and are thrilled to recognize their service.”

Other Atlanta area recipients include:

• Taylor LeBaron, 18, Ball Ground – After struggling with and overcoming his own weight issues, Taylor encourages other kids to stay fit by maintaining a fitness website and traveling as a motivational speaker. 
• Alexander Lopez, 17, Lawrenceville – Alexander has volunteered for the past four years with multicultural adult students to teach English and help them adapt to American culture.
• Kory Penrod, 9, Kennesaw – Kory was instrumental in creating a scholarship program that funds foster children participating in a soccer program and also helps provide the children with clothing and school supplies.
• Brooklyn Wright, 8, Powder Springs – Brooklyn created the Interactive Litter Prevention Program to teach kids how to protect the environment through self-organized events, the program website, a personal blog and a book she wrote.

Each regional winner will qualify for one of 10 national scholarships to be announced at the end of July. National winners will receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships. Kohl’s will also donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf. In total, Kohl’s will award 2,200 youths nearly $420,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has awarded $2.6 million in scholarships and prizes to more than 13,000 youth volunteers. The scholarship program is part of Kohl’s Cares, a philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. For more information, visit www.kohlskids.com.

Kohl’s operates 1,097 stores in 49 states . Kohl’s has raised more than $180 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program.