Giant Eagle's Apples For The Students, an education initiative that last year provided nearly $1 million in classroom learning tools to schools in the Pittsburgh area, began its annual program Sept. 28 for seven Alliance schools, including Johnstown Christian School, Baker Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary, St. Rose of Lima, Wright Elementary, Harmony Elementary and Hollidaysburg Catholic School.
During the 2007-08 school year, the program provided 1,260 tri-state schools with educational tools and recreational equipment.
"For 20 years, the Giant Eagle Apples For The Students has been a great way for schools with a limited budget to acquire computers and accessories,' said Giant Eagle manager of community relations Tina Thomson. "And the money that would have been used to purchase computers can now go toward other in-school programs.
"Not only are the schools able to obtain free computers and accessories, but the program itself serves to boost school morale. Giant Eagle has seen entire schools unite behind our Apples For The Students goal.'
To register for the 2008-09 school year, customers may call 800-474-4777 or visit www.gianteagle.com, provide their Giant Eagle Advantage Card number and then select the school or schools (up to five per customer) of their choice.
Giant Eagle will then credit the participating schools through March 18.
School identification numbers, which are necessary for registration, may be found on the company's Web site.
The dollar value of sales will be tracked by customers' Giant Eagle Advantage Card, converted to points and added to savings-type account.
Every reward item, including computer hardware and software, encyclopedias, recreational equipment and other classroom learning tools, has a specific purchase price in points.
When a school has accumulated enough points, they can "buy' the items.
There is no limit to the number of computers and other learning tools a school can earn within the program time frame.
