Kohl's Cares granted $240,000 over a two-year period to Children's Hospital at Erlanger to fight childhood obesity through its Let's Get Moving campaign. This campaign features the Let's Get on Track school system competition for a new walking track and family fun nights to teach children and parents tips and strategies to live healthy lifestyles.
The Let's Get on Track competition within the McMinn County public school system encourages students to increase their activity levels throughout the year. The school with the most hours of physical activity logged will receive a new walking track through the Kohl's Cares grant.
The Let's Get Moving Campaign will also feature educational family nights for pediatric patients at the Childhood Healthy Eating and Active Living clinic at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. Once a month, the CHEAL team will lead kids and parents through educational activities focusing on ways to increase physical activity throughout the day and make healthier food choices.
"Obesity is the most prevalent disease affecting our children today, and must be given high priority given the severity of associated illnesses those affected face throughout their lifetime," said Dr. Joani Jack, pediatrician, Children's Hospital at Erlanger CHEAL clinic. "We know that physical activity helps prevent and manage childhood obesity, as well as benefiting all children of all ages. Through the generosity of Kohl's, we are able to provide lifelong health benefits for the children in our region."
Kohl's commitment to Children's Hospital at Erlanger is made possible through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl's sells $5 books and soft toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable initiatives nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one.
Kohl’s has raised more than $317 million through this merchandise program, officials said.