Kohl’s Department Stores has named Jonathon White, 11, of Stuarts Draft, as one of 10 outstanding national winners earning a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program.
According to a 2009 “Trends in College Pricing” report by The College Board, college tuition and fees have risen nearly five percent annually for the last decade. In 2010, Kohl’s increased national scholarship amounts and celebrates 10 years of rewarding stand-up kids through the program. In addition to recognizing Jonathan for remarkable volunteerism, Kohl’s will also donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization of his choice.
When Jonathon was 9 years old, he learned about the Appalachian regions in school just weeks before Christmas. Surprised at the poverty in the region, he became committed to making sure children in that region had a Christmas to look forward to, just as he did. For the next six weeks, he collected toys and washed, folded and packed more than 50,000 clothing items to donate to families, and did the same the following year. Jonathon has spent countless hours collecting items and working with local shelters and organizations to distribute them. The items he’s donated are valued at approximately $500,000.
“Kids like Jonathon embody the true meaning of volunteerism. He has demonstrated through his collection efforts that people – regardless of age – are capable of remarkable and inspiring accomplishments,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Kohl’s is very proud to recognize and support the education of these extraordinary individuals and hopes their selfless acts will inspire more young people to make a positive difference in their community.”
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].
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