Penquis receives $1,000 grant from BJ’s Charitable Foundation to support families

Penquis was selected to receive a $1,000 grant by BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. as part of the company’s on-going giving campaign driven by team member nominations.

Funding through BJ’s Charitable Foundation will support the annual Turkey Drive that Penquis, in collaboration with Free the Z 107.3 FM and WABI TV5, holds each November. The communitywide turkey drive addresses food insecurity, helping families across Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. More than 40 food pantries and nonprofits partner on this effort, providing over 5,000 families facing economic hardship with holiday meal assistance.

“Each year, the Turkey Drive shows what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Renae Muscatell, community relations manager for Penquis. “This support helps families across our region share a holiday meal and a sense of belonging. This large community effort demonstrates neighbors looking out for one another and ensuring everyone can celebrate the season with dignity.”

BJ’s Wholesale Club announced grants to 88 community organizations in 17 states and Washington, D.C., that were nominated by its team members. Recipients were chosen for their local impact in areas of hunger relief, education and health and wellness.

“BJ’s has a deep commitment to supporting families in the communities where we live and work,” said Kirk Saville, head of corporate communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We are honored to continue supporting the organizations our team members care about most and to live our purpose of taking care of the families who depend on us.”

Since its inception, BJ’s Charitable Foundation has awarded over $43 million to non-profit organizations and schools, providing vital support in BJ’s communities.

Penquis is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 to assist individuals and families in improving their financial stability. Penquis programs and services focus efforts in four key areas: healthy lives, access to transportation, housing stability, and school readiness. Through its programs and subsidiaries, Penquis affects all of Maine’s 16 counties but primarily serves individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties. Approximately 5,000 people are served on any given day and more than 20,000 each year.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials and gas. In addition, BJ’s offers the latest technology, home decor, small appliances, apparel, seasonal items and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and operates clubs and BJ’s Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at BJs.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

Established in 2004 by BJ’s Wholesale Club, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation provides essential needs to families in the local communities where BJ’s members and team members live and work. Through local and national non-profit partnerships, the Foundation focuses its giving efforts on three main pillars: hunger relief, education and health and wellness.