Thirteen students from Indian Rock Elementary in York were honored by representatives from Kohl’s Department Stores and Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital for their commitment to eating healthy and being physically active. The students’ efforts were recognized during an event on Tuesday, Oct. 12 that highlighted the donation of $168,613 by Kohl’s to the Children’s Hospital.

The gift from Kohl’s supports the Kohl’s Healthy Choices for Healthy Families program, a year round childhood obesity prevention and awareness program that includes an after-school program, educational exhibits at family events, television spots, print and web ad campaign, and website (www.kohlshealthyfamilies.org) with free downloadable resources for families.

“Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults,” remarked Gil Pak, director of operations for the Children’s Hospital. “We’re excited Kohl’s has provided us with the opportunity to educate youth and families about healthy living and, in turn, reduce the number of adolescents we see for the treatment of obesity-related issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

Since 2006, Kohl’s has donated more than $699,000 to Children’s Hospital through Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. For more information, visit www.kohlscorporation.com.