Photos courtesy of WSS.
WSS, the Los Angeles-based family footwear retailer and chain, affirmed its commitment earlier this month to the Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs and its 27 locations. These Clubs, according to the announcement, are based in the neighborhoods where WSS stores are in business. In an effort to give back to local communities, WSS will donate $3,000 to each of the 27 clubs as part of the larger $250,000 donation that was announced in May.
On July 14, WSS presented the donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach at their Dean A Eastman/Fairfield Center.
Steve Velez, district manager of District Two, said WSS was “excited to be presenting a $3,000 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach” to promote “job and mentorship opportunities and support club programs.” He was at the presentation and spoke on behalf of the family footwear chain.
“In honoring our commitment to support the neighborhoods that we are a part of, we are proud to invest in the growth and future of local youth,” Velez said.
This investment in the local youth of Long Beach and Los Angeles County comes with more than just a check presentation, but also involves an ongoing partnership between the two entities. WSS will give their employees the opportunity to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club, will work with youth on career readiness and give youth opportunities to learn about the retail and shoe industries.
“We are so proud and thankful to have WSS on board by supporting so many deserving LA youth, this is truly a comprehensive partnership that will help our kids on so many levels,” said Don Rodriguez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach CEO in a press statement.
The Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs serves over 140,000 youth ages six to 18 throughout the area. WSS’ donation will support club programs that help youth build character, live a healthy and responsible lifestyle and achieve academic success. Each club will also receive WSS gift cards to be used as incentives for their academic achievements.
“I can’t express the caring we have at WSS for our neighborhoods and communities and the respect we have for the work that the Boys & Girls Clubs are doing,” said WSS CEO/President Mark Archer in a statement. “Los Angeles has been very good to us and we want to thank you by supporting and inspiring future community leaders and investing in the Los Angeles County youth.”