SAN MARCOS, CA (FEBRUARY 20, 2019) – Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has been awarded a $30,000 KidCents Regional Grant to further its mission to provide members with the tools for success, especially the most under-resourced youth.

“We are so thankful for community partners like The Rite Aid Foundation who make it possible for us to change the negative trajectory that many of our members are on,” said Tish Murry, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “This funding will open the door to countless opportunities for our kids and teens.”

The dollars provided by the grant will support programs delivered to over 3,700 members annually after school, on holidays and during school breaks. As many members perform well behind their peers in school when they begin attending the Club, a special emphasis is placed on ensuring that all youth have access to the resources they need to thrive in and out of the classroom. Its latest initiative focuses on social and emotional wellness in hopes that members will become confident thinkers capable of making good decisions and able to sufficiently cope with any obstacles they may face.

The KidCents Regional Grant Program, which provides grants of $15,000-$30,000, significantly expands the reach of KidCents by funding specific out-of-school-time programs focused on children’s nutrition, physical fitness and academic success. “We created the KidCents program to ensure that kids have a chance for better lives and brighter futures,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “With the introduction of the KidCents Regional Grant program, we are expanding our efforts even more while filling a need for valuable out-of-school-time programming.”

The inaugural cycle of grants launched in May 2018 and was available in select counties in the following states: California, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. Another cycle of KidCents Regional Grants will launch later this year. To learn more about the program visit riteaid.com/grants.