FORT WAYNE – Eleven Northern Indiana Planet Fitness locations announced Thursday they are holding a school supply drive with all donations benefiting children in grades K-12 at Northern Indiana Boys & Girls Clubs (“BGC”).
The drive is underway at the following locations: Elkhart, Goshen, FortWayne, La Porte, Huntington, Michigan City, Plymouth and Warsaw. All are owned and operated by the Impact Fitness franchise group. Visit a local location and donate until close of business on Aug. 9, according to a news release from Planet Fitness.
Items being collected range from writing utensils and notebooks to art supplies, backpacks and more. There is no minimum donation and Planet Fitness members and nonmembers are invited to contribute. All items will be distributed by Northern Indiana Boys & Girls Club (BGC) chapters staff to local children in need.
Planet Fitness franchise owners have had a longstanding partnership with their local Boys & Girls Clubs, dating back more than a decade. Together with BGC, they are working to promote belonging, spread kindness and empower a generation to contribute to a more judgement free planet.
Some estimates say parents will spend an average of $874.68 on back-to-school this season, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics’ annual survey. Coupled with increased costs for gas and food, school supply costs can be challenging for some families, stated the release.
“With family finances stressed by everyday cost increases, we hope the school supply donations we receive and distribute to families in the community help alleviate any strain so they can concentrate on the positive excitement of the new school year,” said Adam Willaeys, CEO of Impact Fitness. Those wishing to donate can show up to any of the participating locations and drop off supplies on the designated donation table inside the club. Donations will be accepted until close of business on Aug. 9.