The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:BONT), which operates under the Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates, announces its second annual partnership with Mario Lopez in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s largest building-centered, youth-focused provider of after-school programs. The Give the Gift of a Great Future campaign kicked off on October 1 and continues through December 24, 2014. During this time, customers across the country can help Bon-Ton reach its goal of raising $500,000 for the organization.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Photo: Business Wire)

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Photo: Business Wire)

Mario Lopez, Alumni Ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “As a former Boys & Girls Club kid, I am proud to be a part of the partnership between Bon-Ton Stores and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Together we can give more children the great future they deserve.”

This year, customers can show their support by purchasing the exclusive plush teddy bear in stores or online at www.bonton.com/bgca for $7. Bon-Ton will donate 100% of the net proceeds to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Additionally, from November 17 through December 24, while shopping in stores or online customers can make a $3 donation to the organization and, in return, will receive an in-store coupon for $15 off a $30 purchase or a 25% discount online.

Bon-Ton will also donate during its 8 Weeks of Wishes sweepstakes on Pinterest. Fans are asked to pin items from Bon-Ton to their holiday wish list board on Pinterest and enter for a chance to win one of ten $50 gift cards each week and one lucky winner will win a $1,000 grand prize shopping spree. For every holiday wish list shared at www.bonton.com/8weeksofwishes, Bon-Ton will donate $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Kathryn Bufano, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to have Mario Lopez supporting this partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for another year. We are grateful to have the opportunity to help prepare youth in our local communities for their futures.”

Bon-Ton has been a proud supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs for 12 years. Through the partnership, more than $1.6 million has been raised to help drive great futures for America’s youth. During the 2013 holiday promotion, Bon-Ton generously donated over $485,000 to support local Boys & Girls Clubs. All Bon-Ton stores, including Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers align with their local neighborhood Club to benefit kids in need in their own communities.

Each school day, 15 million youth leave school with no place to go for after-school programming, guidance or safety. Boys & Girls Clubs, through the support of generous partners like Bon-Ton, provide youth with programming focused on driving academic success, promoting healthy lifestyles and building overall good character and citizenship. An astounding 57 percent of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni said that the Club literally “saved my life.”

To learn more about how to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America and give kids the Gift of a Great Future visit www.bonton.com/bgca.

About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 273 stores, which includes ten furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 26 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates. The stores offer a broad assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is an active and positive participant in the communities it serves.

For store locations and information visit www.bonton.com. Join the conversation and be inspired by following Bon-Ton on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and the fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog, #LoveStyle.