When we think of corporate social responsibility, usually what comes to mind are the campaigns that make a big splash, but cookie maker Cheryl&Co. has found a unique way to motivate kids to learn.
Through its “Cookies for A’s” program, Cheryl&Co. gives students a free cookie for each “A” (or highest mark on a grading scale) when they present their report cards at one of the company’s store locations.
Since “Cookies for A’s” first kicked off, the company has given more than $1 million worth of cookies to A students in kindergarten through high school.
“The active support of education and the encouragement of academic excellence are among the most important socially responsible endeavors any company can become involved with,” said Jim McCann, Founder and CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. “Our entire organization is proud of the efforts being made by Cheryl&Co. in recognizing and rewarding scholastic achievement by children at virtually all grade levels.”
Cheryl & Co. has been in Ohio since its inception in 1981, when Cheryl Krueger and her college roommate, Caryl Walker, opened the very first Cheryl’s Cookies in Columbus. The small storefront sold six kinds of cookies, along with soda pop. As the company grew, so did its offerings, which now include gifts and desserts. In 2005, Cheryl&Co. merged to become a part of the 1-800-Flowers Family of Brands.
Today, Cheryl&Co. has retail stores in cities and towns located throughout much of central Ohio, including: Columbus; Beachwood; Upper Arlington; Westerville; Dayton; Beavercreek; Dublin; and Worthington. Students who participate in the “Cookies for A’s” program must present their report cards in-person at one of the stores, enabling Cheryl&Co. associates to congratulate each student personally.
Ohio State Facts:
- The Anglicized name “Ohio” comes from the Iroquois word ohi-yo’ meaning “great river.”
- Ohio is the 7th most populist state in the country with 11.5 million residents.
- State motto is “With God, all things are possible.”
- Just 3.6 percent of Ohio residents are foreign born as compared with the national average of 12.5 percent.
- State nickname is The Buckeye State, so named for the Ohio Buckeye Tree.
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Photo by Pink Sherbet via Flickr.