SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Stewart's customers will once again be pitching in to help children. Since 1986 Stewart's Shops and its customers have raised more than $13.5 million for local children's organizations with the annual Holiday Match program. Starting Thanksgiving Day and running through Christmas Day, Stewart's will match individual donations made to the Holiday Match program in all 328 Stewart's Shops in New York and Vermont.
All the money donated goes to charity; there are no administrative costs.
In 2009, the Holiday Match raised more than $1.2 million.[image-nocss]
"We are looking forward to another successful season of generosity and giving. Every year Stewart's customers rise to the challenge and we are also pleased to have all of our media partners with us again to help spread the news," said Stewart's Foundation president Susan Dake.
"Last season the Holiday Match funds were given to 1,349 organizations," added Dake. "We are expecting another big year for applications because of the economy."
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 501c3 foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart's gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.
"This is a two part program," said Dake, "to bring donations in and get applications out to children's groups in need of funds."
Local children's organizations can pick up an application throughout the holidays at any Stewart's Shop; or on line at Stewartsshops.com. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2011. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A brochure will be available throughout the holidays at Stewart's Shops which lists all 1,349 children's organizations in their 30 county area that received funds last season.
Stewart's Shops is an employee- and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Stewart's is known for milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline and more. Our There are 328 Stewart's Shops located in more than 30 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
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