In a national corporate effort to inspire awareness of charities, their work and the necessity of community support, Bealls department stores across the nation are choosing a local or national charity for which to raise money. For the company’s first endeavor into its new “30 Days of Giving” campaign, the Ruidoso Bealls chose to support Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest during the month of March.
“We looked through some of the charities we’d heard about in the area,” said Sherry Webb, the manager of Bealls. “We knew that The Nest did great work with the women and children in the area, so we chose to support it.” Webb noted that she has been working in Lincoln County for about ten years and has developed a connection with several organizations across the area.
HEAL Executive Director, Coleen Widell, was a little surprised last weekend when, at check-out, the clerk asked if she wanted to make a donation to the “local battered women’s shelter.” She said, “On the register monitor appeared our agency name, Help End Abuse for Life, and several donation boxes of varying denominations. And, of course, I said yes.”
The company’s initiative has already seen widespread internal success and support. “We are excited that all Stage Stores locations across the country have partnered with local organizations to make a difference in their communities,” said Bill Gentner, chief marketing officer of Stage Stores, Inc., the parent company of Bealls.
The company has stated that the campaign is intended to illustrate their commitment to the public good and social responsibility. “In our towns, Bealls associates care about our customers and our communities and that is why we are committed to supporting local groups that make a positive impact,” said Michael Glazer, president and CEO of Stage Stores, Inc.
The fundraiser will continue through the end of March. In April, checks will be presented to each charity. The corporate offices also have arranged to match a percentage of contributions made by customers. A second charity will be selected later in the year during a second giving month campaign. Donations can be made while shopping at Bealls in Ruidoso during checkout or online at stagestores.com. Donors receive a discount for use during a sale at the end of the month.
“It is truly a blessing when businesses take the time to support the communities they are present in and show a desire to embrace and uplift the people that surround them,” said Widell. “I hope this program is successful, not only for the stores, but also for all the wonderful charities they have each chosen to support. Many thanks to Sherry Webb and Bealls.”
Pictured is Sherry Webb, manager of Bealls in Ruidoso.
