Andover's Aaron’s Presents named Champion in Action

Aaron’s Presents, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people in 8th grade and below tap into their unique talents and build the skills to lead for the good of others, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced by Citizens Bank, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.

Aaron’s Presents empowers children to carry out ideas that they conceive to benefit at least one other person, animal or the environment through mentoring and logistical support. To date, more than 800 children have completed 400+ projects that have touched the lives of 30,000+ individuals and animals in the Commonwealth.

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens, the bank’s initiative designed to help local communities prosper. It provides support for nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout Massachusetts.

“By asking how they wish to contribute to their communities, Aaron’s Presents helps young people become leaders as they discover and use their talents,” said Jerry Sargent, President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “Aaron’s Presents inspires youth to use their creativity for the good of others, making them our Champion in Action for Youth Leadership.”

“Aaron’s Presents helps even the youngest children make the world a better place,” said Mike St. Peter, President and General Manager of necn, NBC10 Boston and Telemundo Boston. “necn is proud to partner with Citizens Bank to present this organization with the Champion in Action award.”

To date, the Champions in Action program has awarded 332 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint more than $9 million in contributions and promotional support. In Massachusetts, 52 nonprofits have been honored as Champions in Action, receiving more than $1.4 million.

“We thank Citizens Bank and necn for designating our organization as a Champion in Action,” said Leah Okimoto, Founder & Executive Director, Aaron’s Presents. “The recognition and support of this award will help us further our mission of helping youth build the empathy, self-worth and passion for helping others that they need to become our next community leaders. We could not be more grateful for this generous gift.”

As a Champion in Action, Aaron’s Presents will receive:

• A $35,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank;
• Media coverage from necn, including features and public service announcements;
• Volunteer support from Citizens’ colleagues;
• Complimentary membership to the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network;
• Promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action in Citizens Bank branches;
• Exposure on the Citizens Bank and necn websites.

For more information about the Citizens Bank and necn Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/community/champions.