CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that, for the second straight year, West Virginia Game Changer will be conducting its “Change Their Holiday” promotion. Once again this year, Jobs & Hope West Virginia is joining the cause to help ensure families recovering from opioid and substance misuse are provided the financial means to enjoy a happy holiday season.
“It’s no secret that I believe our kids are the greatest treasure we have in West Virginia and we need to do everything in our power to make sure that every child experiences every joy that life has to offer,” Gov. Justice said. “One of the joys that many of our children look forward to most every year is unwrapping some great presents under the tree on Christmas morning.”
Through its Change Their Holiday promotion, in conjunction with several corporate sponsors, Game Changer will be raising money until Friday, Nov. 26, to provide families in recovery a complete holiday, down to the turkey dinner with all the fixings on Christmas Day.
“Our goal with this promotion is to raise money for families that are recovering from opioid and substance abuse and provide them with what they need to truly enjoy this magical time of year,” Gov. Justice said. “I don’t know how it gets any better than that. I’m so proud of the great work being done by Game Changer, Jobs & Hope, and everyone who is helping to make the Change Their Holiday promotion possible.”
To read more about the Change Their Holiday promotion, or to make a donation electronically, visit WVGameChanger.com.
Game Changer – one of the largest public-private coalitions of its kind in the nation – is aimed at tackling opioid and substance use, along with other issues impacting West Virginia’s youth.
Walmart and Pepsi, along with McDonald’s, the JW Ebert Corporation, and ParMar/Mountaineer Mart will be the faces of the promotion, with a portion of sales from Pepsi products in 38 Walmart locations and 105 ParMar/Mountaineer Mart locations throughout West Virginia going toward the Change Their Holiday campaign. There will also be change boxes next to cash registers at all ParMar/Mountaineer Mart locations. In addition, 38 McDonald’s locations in West Virginia that are affiliated with the JW Ebert Corporation are running a Triple Taste-Big Impact promotion, with a portion of all triple cheeseburger sales going toward the Change Their Holiday promotion.
Just as last year, McDonald’s will provide gift cards to families. MVB Bank and Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, two of Game Changer’s biggest financial supporters, have again come forward with donations to assist with the initiative.
“Governor Justice’s help and support have been immeasurable,” said Joe Boczek, Executive Director, West Virginia Game Changer. “The passion he shows for promotions like Change Their Holiday is unbelievable.”
Jobs & Hope West Virginia – the comprehensive program conceived by Gov. Justice, which aims to combat the state’s drug crisis by removing barriers to job opportunities for those recovering from addiction – will again serve as the coordinating sponsor of the promotion. Jobs & Hope, which operates within the West Virginia Department of Education, will identify families with children who are at risk of not being able to have the kind of holiday season everyone deserves. They will also ensure that all the gift cards from sponsors are delivered in a timely manner, giving parents or grandparents the opportunity to do the necessary shopping.
“I also thank West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch, who has been there every single time we have needed him, whether it’s been to offer guidance, an opinion, or just to let us know how much he appreciates our efforts,” Boczek said. “Between the Superintendent and the Governor, the successes seen by Game Changer and Jobs & Hope are directly tied to these two leaders.”
“The support of both Governor Justice and Superintendent Burch makes not only the Change Their Holiday promotion possible, but every other program both Jobs & Hope and Game Changer initiates, both together and separately,” said Lorrie Smith, Lead Coordinator, Jobs & Hope West Virginia. “I am very thankful they share our passion.”
