For Immediate Release: September 29, 2008

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306

Kohl’s, St. John’s team up to bring nutrition education to area kids

Program funded through a $62,678 gift from Kohl’s Cares for Kids

Springfield, IL —Representatives from Kohl’s Department Stores presented a check for $62,678 to St. John’s Children’s Hospital to fund the Kohl’s Color Me Healthy education outreach program for young children in the Springfield area. The check presentation took place at the Springfield YMCA where a group of pre-school students participate in the Color Me Healthy curriculum.  

Color Me Healthy is an interactive, hands-on program designed to promote physical activity and healthy eating for children pre-school through first grade. The program is designed to stimulate all of the senses of young children: touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Through the use of color, music, and exploration of the senses, Color Me Healthy teaches children that healthy food and physical activity are fun.

The grant from Kohl’s will allow staff from St. John’s Children’s Hospital to present Color Me Healthy courses to more than 120 groups of pre-school students over a 12-month period. In addition, components of the program will be shared at various health fairs and community events that St. John’s Children’s Hospital has a presence. The Kohl’s grant will also fund educational materials that will be provided to children and their parents at no cost. It is estimated that Color Me Healthy will reach about 20,000 children in the region over the next year.

“With childhood obesity rates at epidemic proportions, it’s critical that we give children the tools they need to make healthy choices that they can carry with them for a lifetime. We’re extremely grateful to Kohl’s for supporting our efforts to help children learn about the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness through a fun and engaging program,” said JoAnn Lemaster, Outreach Facilitator, St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
 
Since 2000, Kohl’s has donated more than $686,544 to St. John’s Children’s Hospital. Other St. John’s Children’s Hospital initiatives supported through Kohl’s Cares for Kids® include “Huff and Puff” asthma education; “Risk Watch,” a children’s injury prevention and safety program; preoperative tours for kids scheduled for surgery; educational materials and special equipment for pediatric patients and families; and kid-friendly enhancements to pediatric surgical areas.

“Because of Kohl’s generosity over the years, we have been able to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families from Springfield and the surrounding communities,” said Denise Pope, Director, Friends of St. John’s Hospital. 

Kohl’s commitment to St. John’s Children’s Hospital is made possible through Kohl’s Cares for Kids. Net profits from the sale of special merchandise supports children’s health and education. Through 2007, Kohl’s has raised more than $102 million for such initiatives nationwide. The program also includes the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program for youth volunteers, fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit groups, and an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

St. John’s Children’s Hospital
St. John's Children’s Hospital combines the faculty resources of SIU School of Medicine with the pediatric facilities and services of St. John’s Hospital.  It houses the Birth Center, Pediatric Inpatient Unit with a Pediatric ICU, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Rehabilitation services. It was recognized for membership in October 2005 by the National Association for Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). The Children’s Hospital Web site is www.sjchildrens.org.

Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 957 stores in 47 states and will celebrate the opening of its 1,000th store in the fall. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $102 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.