Finish Line Youth Foundation Launches Annual Holiday Drive in Finish Line Stores and Online

The Finish Line Youth Foundation launches its 2013 Holiday Drive today in more than 650 Finish Line stores across the U.S. and online at finishline.com.

This year’s goal for the Holiday Drive is $1.5 million as Finish Line customers are encouraged to cheer on athletes everywhere with their donations. Last year, the Youth Foundation holiday campaign and Finish Line employees raised $1.45 million.

“Money raised from the Holiday Drive makes a long-lasting impact on keeping kids across the nation healthy and active,” said Marty Posch, executive director of the Finish Line Youth Foundation. “Whether it’s one dollar, $10 or more, each customer’s contribution makes a difference.”

The first $1 million raised will benefit Special Olympics, Finish Line’s signature cause, which serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This money will help fund Special Olympics activities nationwide, including TRAIN (Testing Recreational Activities and Improving Nutrition), a sport and nutrition assessment tool for athletes and their families.

Donations above $1 million will help fund the Youth Foundation’s grants for community-based youth athletic programs as well as camps and other organizations that provide services to individuals who are disadvantaged or disabled.

Finish Line customers are encouraged to donate at checkout both in-store and online through December 31.

About The Finish Line Youth Foundation

The Finish Line Youth Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of youth in the communities where employees and customers live, work and play. The Youth Foundation funds non-profit organizations that provide opportunities for kids to participate in community-based youth athletic programs and camps that emphasize sports and active lifestyles, especially programs that serve disadvantaged and special needs kids. In partnership with The Finish Line, Inc., the Youth Foundation has pledged multi-year support of Special Olympics as a part of its ongoing mission to celebrate the everyday achievements of athletes everywhere. For more information about the Youth Foundation, please visit www.finishline.com/youthfoundation and find it on Twitter at www.twitter.com/finishlineyf and Facebook at www.facebook.com/finishlineyouthfoundation.