WSS, the Southern California-based neighborhood footwear retailer in the U.S., affirmed its commitment to the neighborhoods where it does business by donating $250,000 to the Los Angeles County Alliance Boys & Girls Clubs and to other neighborhood clubs in the western region. The donation was presented to Mary Hewitt, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Alliance of the Boys & Girls Clubs, and its two “Youth of the Year” members by sitcom and film star Anthony Anderson, a Boys & Girls Club Watts chapter alumni and supporter; WSS Founder Eric Alon; WSS President Mark Archer; and Councilman Gil Cedillo.
“I’ve long dreamed about a day like today where we can make such an impactful announcement as this one. 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 Founder Eric Alon. “Los Angeles has been very good to us and we want to thank you by supporting and inspiring future community leaders.”
WSS’ donation will support Club programs that help youth build character, live a healthy lifestyle and achieve academic success. Each WSS store will be paired with a local Boys & Girls Club where WSS volunteers will have opportunities to work with Club members to support their activities through events, games, tutoring and special programs. Each Boys & Girls Club will also receive WSS gift cards that will be used to incentivize and reward youth for academic improvement and excellence. Lastly, WSS stores will work with their local Boys & Girls Club to help members create resumes, learn how to interview and have an opportunity to apply to work at WSS.
"We are proud to make this donation to the Neighborhood Los Angeles County Alliance Boys & Girls Clubs as part of our shared dedication to strengthening our communities by providing practical work experience and personal development," said Mark Archer, president of WSS. “WSS continues its 30-year strong commitment to neighborhoods through support of Boys & Girls Clubs. Together we will work to provide opportunities to help our youth become who they’re destined to be -future leaders.”
"Any time we can offer opportunities to our members to pursue their personal and professional goals while being a productive member of their community; we consider it a win," said Mary Hewitt, Executive Director for Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs. "We’re grateful to WSS and our newfound partnership because every donation counts towards helping our kids acquire new skills and abilities that will last them a lifetime."
