RADical Change Commission gets financial boost from Aaron’s

Heather Bell

RADFORD – The RADical Change Commission got a financial boost recently when Aaron’s in Fairlawn awarded the Commission $1,500 through its Aaron’s Community Outreach Program (ACORP).

ACORP, Aaron’s store-based giving program, was established in 1999, and allows individual stores “to give back in the local communities that have supported Aaron’s for over 64 years,” according to the company. ACORP “supports causes important to local communities, including assistance for veterans, youth organizations, and community centers.”

Randy Cunningham, general manager of Aaron’s Fairlawn location, explained that individual stores have to achieve sales and profit criteria before being able to participate in the ACORP program.He said he chose the RADical Change Commission to be the recipient of the award primarily because of Janiele Hamden, who founded the Commission, and the good work he knows she does. Cunningham’s son was a student of Hamden’s when she was the guidance counselor at McHarg School.

“I know her and her spirit so I knew it would be money in good hands that would go back into the community three-fold,” said Cunningham.

Hamden said Tuesday the donation from Aaron’s is very helpful to the mission of Commission and a portion of the award will specifically go toward funding a Thanksgiving effort called Project Giving Thanks, through which some Radford families will receive Thanksgiving food baskets.

“The RADical Change Commission is incredibly thankful for our partners – we understand the value in community and recognize without partners like Aaron’s, our work would not be possible,”said Hamden “Every dollar we receive goes back into serving our community and a portion of these funds in particular will support Project Giving Thanks. We love RADford and will continue to lift our people up at every opportunity.”

To donate to Project Giving Thanks, check out the RADical Change Commission’s Fcebook page.