CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation said 219 new nonprofit groups focused on improving children’s health and wellness have joined its KidCents program.

Ken Martindale

Each of the new charities, selected by Rite Aid associates and representing the communities served by the drug chain, will receive a $5,000 KidCents grant for their efforts and participation in the KidCents program, totaling more than $1 million.

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid’s wellness+ with Plenti rewards program can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to charities dedicated to children’s well-being. The KidCents program now includes more than 430 not-for-profit organizations. Customers sign into their wellness+ with Plenti account to review the profiles of approved KidCents charities and then select the organization they would like to support.

“Thanks to the generosity of our customers, for over three years, our KidCents program has been able to provide critical funding for a variety of programs ranging from equine and aquatic therapy services to after school enrichment to counseling and crisis services for at risk youth,” Rite Aid Foundation president Ken Martindale said in a statement.

“There’s no question these organizations are making a real difference in the lives of children, and The Rite Aid Foundation looks forward to working with our new class of KidCents charities to do even more in the coming year to help kids in the communities we serve have a chance at a brighter future,” added Martindale, who is CEO of stores and president at Rite Aid Corp.

The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $27 million to nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2001. Rite Aid also has raised over $75 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide since 1994 through the efforts of its customers, associates and supplier partners.