The Children’s Place Inc. partnered with comedian Kevin Hart for a 2022 Back-to-School campaign to launch a number of learning centers all over the United States. Late last month, the two opened a new one at the NYC Parks’ Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center, where there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Today is a big day,” Hart said. “We’re in East Harlem, and we’re unveiling one of 10 learning centers for kids. You’ve got to understand what this does. It incentivizes kids to create, to be active, to dream.”
The new center holds over 2,000 new books. And to encourage reading, the 43-year-old father and comedian read to children from his book, “Marcus Makes a Movie,” a book about a kid who loves to create comics and discovered he can make his superhero character into a movie.
“Whether opening a new book, taking on a new challenge in the classroom, or making memories with fellow students, these are the times that most impact a child’s life,” Hart said.
The father of four handed out school supplies, including clothes and backpacks to the students and parents who attended the event. This event was a part of the campaign’s goal to place 10 learning centers all across the country in underserved communities. In addition to the learning centers, The Children’s Place will donate school supplies like books, school supplies and products to students in need.
“The Children’s Place is committed to giving back, and moreover, we understand the importance of access to education and supporting key moments that will shape children’s lives,” Maegan Markee, Senior Vice President of Marking of The Children’s Place, Inc. said in a press release. “Kevin Hart was the partner to help launch this year’s back-to-school campaign. He too advocates for children’s continued education, both in and out of the classroom, and as a father, sees firsthand the impact that access to books and both play and practice materials can have on a child’s life. We couldn’t be more excited to work with Kevin to give back to our future leaders of tomorrow.”
In addition to their partnership with Hart, the retail store also collaborated with Thriftbooks, which is donating over 20,000 to the reading centers, along with local libraries.
