Girls on the Run is a program that teaches girls in elementary and middle school to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.
Our team supported that mission by partnering with Girls on the Run chapters for the past 15 years by offering not only resources, but also volunteer time.
From donating gift cards for supplies and food to supporting fundraising efforts that allow low-income girls to participate, 50 of our stores across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin supported their local Girls on the Run chapters. Over the course of our partnership, we’ve invested more than $100,000 in the program, which serves more than 200,000 girls and women annually.
“It's just a great organization. Anytime we can work with children to help them improve their confidence, life skills and thought processes – and really strengthen them from a character point of view – we’re all about it at Meijer,” said Kelly Kathlina, Store Director of our Highland, Indiana store.
The store began its involvement in 2018 with a team member’s request.
“She was a very engaged and active coach for Girls on the Run and really ignited the interest in our store, and we began to support them in a large way,” Kelly said.
The store was honored for its involvement with a medal from the organization. Getting involved with Girls on the Run was part of the store’s journey of growing involvement in Highland and surrounding communities.
“We are there for the community,” Kelly said. “People know they can count on us. We participate directly, we direct them to other resources, and we collaborate and pull different partners together to strengthen the community.”
She adds that the response has been incredible, from the positive press and comments on social media to parents coming through and saying, “Thank you, my kid goes to this elementary school or this school, and we really appreciate seeing Meijer’s support.”
We’re pleased to empower future leaders in our communities by supporting Girls on the Run across the Midwest.