Sales of Reusable Shopping Bags Designed with Save the Children's Original Child Artwork to Benefit U.S. Programs

WESTPORT, Conn. (July 28, 2009) — Starting Aug. 3, sales of T.J. Maxx limited edition, reusable shopping bags will benefit children in need in the United States. For each reusable bag sold, T.J. Maxx will donate one basic item—like socks, underwear or backpacks—to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.  

The reusable bags will be sold for $0.99 and are designed with Save the Children original children's artwork. This initiative marks 25 years of partnership for T.J. Maxx and Save the Children.

"For the past 25 years, T.J. Maxx has shown its commitment to children living in poverty as a dedicated partner to Save the Children," said Mark Shriver, vice president and managing director of Save the Children's U.S. Programs. "T.J. Maxx's generosity has provided clothing and supplies to children in need, and helped them get access to reading and developmental programs that can ensure success in school and in life.  

To kick off this program, T.J. Maxx will partner with celebrity mom Jennie Garth to host an event in New York City on Aug. 6, 2009. A giant replica of the limited edition reusable bag will be located outside of the T.J. Maxx Manhattan store. Garth and consumers alike will have the opportunity to fill the bag with basic items that children need to go back to school. 

Throughout the day, each time a reusable shopping bag is purchased at the Manhattan store, T.J.Maxx will provide the customer with a basic item to be tossed into the giant shopping bag. All items collected will be donated to Save the Children U.S. Programs.

In addition to the limited edition bag, T.J. Maxx will also be hosting its annual in-store fundraising program. From July 26 — Aug. 22 customers can donate $1 to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.  

Since 1984, T.J. Maxx has been a proud supporter of Save the Children's U.S. Programs, donating more than $12 million through an annual in-store fundraising program, gift in-kind donations and individual child sponsorships. T.J. Maxx sponsors over 925 children in Save the Children U.S. Programs, with each T.J. Maxx store and several corporate departments sponsoring a child. All donations and sponsorships support Save the Children's early childhood development, literacy and nutrition and physical fitness programs, which operate in poor rural communities across the country.

"At T.J. Maxx stores, parents can get the back-to-school basics they need at a great value. However, for the children living in poverty in the U.S. getting these basics is a challenge," said Sonya Cosentini, T.J. Maxx spokesperson. "We are honored to be celebrating the 25th year of our commitment to Save the Children by giving these children the basics they need to succeed."

About T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx is a Massachusetts-based off-price retailer with more than 880 stores nationwide. The stores offer savings every day on brand name and designer fashions for the entire family and home. You can also find an assortment of accessories; including jewelry, ladies' shoes, handbags, belts and luggage.  With new merchandise arriving every week to each store, it's a whole new store every time you shop! For the nearest T.J. Maxx store, call 1-800-2TJ-MAXX or visit tjmaxx.com. 

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.