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Community Corner

Local Teen Awarded $10,000 Scholarship From Kohl's Department Stores for Extraordinary Volunteer Efforts

Kohl’s Department Stores announced that Paige Alenick from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey is one of 10 national Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program winners receiving a total of $10,000 in scholarships for higher education. In addition to recognizing Paige for outstanding efforts through volunteerism, Kohl’s will also donate $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of Paige’s choice – World Dental Relief, Inc. Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, Kohl's is encouraging promising youth to further their education at a time when college costs continue to rise and parents are relying heavily on federal and private student loans to fund higher education.*

Two years ago, while brushing her teeth, Paige Alenick was struck by how fortunate she was to have such a basic, yet vital, tool like a toothbrush. Upon further research, she learned that millions of people do not have access to toothbrushes. Determined to change that, Paige launched “Donate-A-Toothbrush,” an organization dedicated to providing the vital tools to those without access or unable to afford them. Now 17, Paige has grown the organization tremendously and has donated more than 38,000 toothbrushes to help people combat disease and pain that stems from poor dental hygiene. Within the past year, Paige has sent toothbrushes to more than 20 Third World countries, shelters for battered women and children, a nursery school in Kenya, and victims of Hurricane Sandy.

In 2013, Kohl’s celebrates its 13th year of rewarding young volunteers. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 19,000 kids, including the 2013 winners, with more than $3.9 million in scholarships and prizes. This year, Kohl’s recognized more than 2,300 young volunteers with more than $400,000 in scholarships and prizes. For more information or a complete list of Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program national-, regional-, and store-level winners, visit www.kohlskids.com.

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The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl’s Cares, Kohl’s philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. For more information, visit www.kohls.com/cares.

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