St. Vincent Healthcare Partners with Billings Kohl’s Department Store to Keep Kids Active

For the seventh consecutive year, St. Vincent Healthcare has partnered with Kohl’s Cares to promote the health and wellness of students in the community.

The partnership supports a year-round program that empowers elementary-aged children in the Billings community to make healthy, active choices.

Kohl's commitment to St. Vincent Healthcare and the Kohl’s Cares: Kids on the Move program is made possible through the Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program, according to a news release. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys at their check stands. Some 100 percent of net profits benefit children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like the one with St. Vincent Healthcare.

Since 2009, Kohl’s has donated $158,511 to the local Kohl’s Cares: Kids on the Move program. The program helps teach children and their families’ ways to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives and decrease unhealthy diets and behaviors.

The program includes:

• fall and spring running clubs at various Title 1 schools in the Billings area,
• sponsorship and support for the YES Cross Country Meet,
• winter hip hop programs
• engagement of kids and families in the Heart and Sole Run/Walk held each summer.

“At St. Vincent Healthcare, we understand the importance of teaching children healthy, lifelong habits, and the sponsorship of the YES Elementary Cross Country meet is just one of the ways we support kids to take control of their own health,” said Dennis Sulser, president and CEO of St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation. “We are thankful for Kohl’s continued support which allows us to educate and motivate more kids and families year after year, providing tools necessary to live an active, healthy life.”

St. Vincent Healthcare, Kohl’s Cares, and ExxonMobil are major sponsors of this year’s Seventh Annual Yellowstone Elementary School Cross Country meet at Pioneer Park on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The cross country meet allows students to participate in a large athletic event that encourages them to set physical fitness goals for the year. The event features fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade and gender specific races, a team atmosphere, individual and team awards, and educational information about healthy lifestyles for students and parents.

A traveling Spirit Trophy is awarded to the school with the most participants. Nearly 1,000 children participated in this event last year. To register and for more information, click here.