WARRENDALE, Pa., Aug. 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- rue21, inc., a leading teen specialty apparel retailer, announces the launch of rueGIVESback, a philanthropy initiative dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of its customers and Associates. rue21 isn't just about helping its customers look good – rue21 also wants to do good by partnering with charitable organizations that fit its style and culture.
This summer rue21 is the title sponsor of the Threads for Teens® 2015 Tour. Threads for Teens gives brand-new, on-trend clothing to underprivileged teen girls, and provides free workshops designed to build their self-esteem and instill confidence. This August, Threads for Teens will travel across the U.S. in a mobile boutique providing clothing and hosting conferences that will include workshops on goal setting and dressing for success. rue21 Associates will volunteer in each city on the tour to assist in styling the girls with the donated clothing and accessories.
This fall rue21 will continue its commitment to the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit organization currently funding the largest pre-menopausal breast cancer research study in the United States. Each October, rue21 makes a financial donation to Glimmer of Hope in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
An integral part of rueGIVESback is rueRelief, a platform to provide merchandise donations and resources to those Associates who experience a personal or financial hardship due to a catastrophic event. Over the years rueRelief has provided clothing and gift cards to Associates in need, and through rueGIVESback, rue21 intends to expand this program in 2015 and beyond.
"We're very excited to officially launch rueGIVESback," said Bob Fisch, President and Chief Executive Officer of rue21. "Our Associates and customers are motivated by their passion for improving the world, and with the establishment of rueGIVESback we have created a platform to support the causes that are important to them. We will give back to the people and communities that have made us successful."
Associates at rue21 will also have the opportunity to volunteer their time and participate in local charity events or raise money for charities in their respective communities, building a team of local rue21 volunteers to raise money for an organization of choice in their own backyards.
rueGIVESback is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our customers and associates in the rueCommunities where they live, work, shop and play.
About rue21
rue21, headquartered in Warrendale, PA, is a leading specialty retailer offering exclusive branded merchandise and the newest trends at a great value. rue21 currently operates more than 1,150 stores in 48 states and its website, rue21.com. Inspired by the spirit and style of one of the best times in life, the rue21 store and web site are designed to offer the latest trends while staying affordable, so its customers don't have to sacrifice style for savings. For more information, visit www.rue21.com.
About Threads for Teens®
Threads for Teens is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that gives underprivileged teen girls the opportunity to receive free, brand-new, quality clothing. Besides filling a tangible need, Threads for Teens gives young girls hope, boosts their self-esteem, and instills confidence. Threads for Teens was founded in January 2011 by then 14 year-old Allyson Ahlstrom of Santa Rosa, California. For more information, visit www.threadsforteens.org.
About A Glimmer of Hope
Glimmer of Hope is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization that has been supporting breast cancer research since 1994. The organization has raised over $1.5 million to further fund the largest premenopausal breast cancer study in the United States. For more information, visit www.symbolofthecure.com or facebook.com/glimmerofhope.