Manchester Girl Wins $10,000 Scholarship from Kohl's

Emily Christensen of Manchester, whose idea to help families of cancer victims became the seed that started the nonprofit Crayons for Cancer, is one of 10 kids nationwide who each won a $10,000 scholarship from Kohl’s for their volunteer efforts.

The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program announced the winners on Wednesday. Here’s their news release:

Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) announced today that Emily Christensen from Manchester is one of 10 national Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program winners each receiving a total of $10,000 in scholarships for higher education. In addition to recognizing Emily for outstanding efforts through volunteerism, Kohl’s will also donate $1,000 the nonprofit organization of Emily’s choice.

“Kohl’s is thrilled to recognize Emily Christensen as one of ten national winners of the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, and we applaud her for the time, energy and passion she has devoted to helping others and making a difference,” said Bevin Bailis, Kohl’s senior vice president, communications and public relations. “Kohl’s is pleased to acknowledge the inspiring work that Emily and the other national winners are doing in their communities every day.”

In 2008, in honor of a young friend who passed away from cancer, Emily raised funds to benefit kids with cancer by selling wax creations she made by melting a box of old crayons. The success of her small fundraiser sparked the creation of Crayons for Cancer, Emily’s nonprofit committed to helping ease the financial burdens placed on families whose children are suffering from cancer.

Now 11 years old, Emily has raised more than $73,000 and has built partnerships with three children’s hospitals in the United States to provide parking passes, meal tickets and lodging for family members during their child’s hospital stay, as well as gifts for the children to provide comfort during their treatment.

Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 22,000 kids, including the 2014 winners, with more than $4.3 million in scholarships and prizes. This year, Kohl’s recognized more than 2,300 young volunteers with nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes. For more information or a complete list of Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program national-, regional-, and local-level winners, visit www.kohlskids.com.

The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl’s Cares, Kohl’s philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. For more information, visit www.kohls.com/cares.