BJ's 'Adopts' 7 Central Mass. Schools

As part of Westborough-based BJ's Wholesale Club's Adopt-a-School program, seven Central Massachusetts schools will receive support from the company this school year.

In the program's 17^th year, BJ's is partnering with 199 schools – 27 in Massachusetts – in the communities where its stores are located. BJ's said it has provided more than $1.5 million in funding to schools through the program since its inception.

There are two parts to the program: Giving and GRADES.

Through the Giving program, each participating school receives a one-time donation to use toward discretionary programs such as field trips and other special events, and reading programs, as well as a complimentary BJ's membership. They also receive invitations to BJ's-sponsored events that promote good citizenship or help build community learning skills.

Central Massachusetts schools participating in the Adopt-a-School program are taking part under the Giving program umbrella. They are A.M. Chaffee Elementary School in Auburn; Hemenway Elementary School in Framingham; John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin; Forest Avenue Elementary School in Hudson; Fall Brook Elementary in Leominster; Lincoln Street School in Northborough; and Globe Park School in Uxbridge.

Through the GRADES program, schools work with BJ's community relations specialists to develop "customized partnership plans focused on curriculum enhancement, community involvement and fundraising."

BJ's Foundation Donates $1.2M To Charities

BJ's Credit Rating Downgraded

Analysts Weigh In On BJ's Credit Downgrade