Ocean State Job Lot Celebrates Impactful 2024 Holiday Season Charitable Giving Initiatives
Programs provide critical resources to veterans, children, and families across the Northeast and beyond
North Kingstown, RI – (January 14, 2025) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 159 stores across the Northeast, is proud to announce the success of its 2024 holiday season charitable initiatives, which brought critical resources to veterans, children, and families in need across the Northeast and beyond. Through the generosity of its customers and the dedication of its team, OSJL continued its mission to make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.
Buy-Give-Get Coats Program:
In partnership with more than 50 veteran support agencies and organizations, OSJL’s Buy-Give-Get Coats program provided nearly 80,000 warm winter coats to veterans in need across New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Customers were invited to buy a winter coat for $40 (retail value of $120 or more) and give it back to the store to get a $40 Crazy Deal* Gift Card to use on a future purchase. Most of the coats have already been distributed to veterans through organizations such as The Veterans Administration, Veterans Inc., and USA Vets.
Buy-Give-Get Toys Program:
OSJL’s first-ever Buy-Give-Get Toys program brought joy to children in need this holiday season. Customers participated by buying three or more toys for $10 each and giving them back to the store. For every toy donated, participants received a Crazy Deal* Gift Card equal to the total purchase amount. With the help of partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, and local community groups, over 175,000 toys are being distributed to local children.
Three Square Meals Program:
The 2024 Three Square Meals initiative continued OSJL’s commitment to combating food insecurity by raising funds to provide the equivalent of over three million meals. Through collaboration with food banks and regional partners, these meals will be distributed to families and individuals in need throughout the year.
“Our charitable efforts highlight the incredible spirit of generosity within our community,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. “Thanks to our customers and partners, we have been able to provide critical support to those who needed it most, showcasing the power of collective action.”
These programs are part of OSJL’s broader commitment to addressing critical needs in the communities it serves. In addition to the Buy-Give-Get coats and toys initiatives, OSJL’s charitable efforts this year included the launch of the Buy-Give-Get Bikes program, which provided 1,800 bicycles to children of military families; donations of new backpacks through its annual Buy-Give-Get Backpack program; and disaster relief efforts in the Southeast to support communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. OSJL is dedicated to supporting underserved populations and ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
About Ocean State Job Lot:
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 159 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, approximately 5,600 employees, and annual sales exceeding $800 million. OSJL Shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool, and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price. The company was named a four-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a four-time US Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a three-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and a Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. *Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative, and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need. Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in the Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: (401) 295-2672; Website: OceanStateJobLot.com.