GLENDALE, Calif., Jul 06, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Disney Store announced today that it will spearhead a nationwide back-to-school promotion next month, paving the way for consumers to help donate much-needed school supplies to local Boys & Girls Clubs. The promotion will be held July 23 and 24, the unofficial kick-off of the back-to-school shopping season, at more than 300 Disney Stores across North America.

During the weekend donation program, Disney Store customers can purchase two backpacks for $20 (regularly $14.50 each) or two lunch totes for $15 (regularly $9.50 each) and one of the items will be donated to local Boys & Girls Clubs. This is a great opportunity for parents to teach their kids about giving back to the community by donating school supplies to children in need.

Disney Store backpacks and lunch totes feature characters from JoJo's Circus and Disney Princess for girls, and The Incredibles and Power Rangers for boys. Disney Store back-to-school accessories are popular with kids because they're fun, colorful and functional. Disney characters are especially comforting to small children starting a new school year - particularly those beginning school for the first time.

"We wanted to make a difference for kids on a grass-roots level and provide school supplies that children really need," said Mario Ciampi, President of Disney Store. "We thought it would be a great idea for our guests to become involved, so as to help their children learn about sharing with others who are less fortunate."

DisneyHand, worldwide outreach for The Walt Disney Company, will also be involved in the promotion, providing participating customers with a DisneyHand "Show Your Character" bookmark and sticker to commemorate the donation and to thank them for getting involved. Disney has long supported Boys & Girls Clubs and has donated more than $3 million to the organization this year alone.

Boys & Girls Clubs, "The Positive Place For Kids," strive to let every child know that someone cares. Club programs enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence while providing a safe place for children to learn, grow and have fun.

"We are extremely thankful to the Disney Store and its customers for sending our kids back-to-school with Disney-themed accessories that will make them feel really special," said Roxanne Spillett, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "The program provides a great lesson to kick off the school year, giving families an opportunity to help others by getting involved on a local level."

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 3,700 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

About DisneyHand

DisneyHand, worldwide outreach for The Walt Disney Company, is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. In 2004, DisneyHand contributed more than $165 million in cash, in-kind support and public service airtime globally, while Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 461,000 hours to 1,852 outreach projects. For more information, please visit www.disneyhand.com.

About Disney Store

North America Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store is operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.

SOURCE: The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc.

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