Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org Join Teens Nationwide to Support Homeless Teens in Haiti and the U.S.

Teen Retailer will match the first 100,000 jeans donated thru the Teens for Jeans campaign with brand new jeans for Haiti disaster victims

 NEW YORK, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In support of its third annual “Teens for Jeans” initiative with teen not-for-profit DoSomething.org, NYC-based teen retailer Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) announced it will be matching the first 100,000 pairs donated with brand new jeans to be delivered to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. 

 ”Teens for Jeans” raises awareness about the youth homelessness epidemic by inspiring teens across the U.S. and Canada to collect gently worn jeans and donate them to homeless youth in their own communities. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org are extending the campaign’s reach beyond the U.S. and Canada to help teens affected by the disaster.

 ”Most teens don’t have credit cards or disposable income, but they want to make a difference,” says DoSomething.org Chief Marketing Officer Aria Finger.  “DoSomething.org never asks teens for money — we just want their passion, creativity, time and now their jeans.”

The campaign collected over 200,000 pairs of jeans in 2009 and this year teens are already gearing up to top that effort.

“Teens for Jeans is one of the cornerstones of Aeropostale’s charitable efforts to benefit teens. What makes this year’s campaign so special is the opportunity for us all to think locally and act globally,” says Aeropostale’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Scott Birnbaum.  “The crisis in Haiti makes us painfully aware that help is needed not only in our own backyards but in communities everywhere.”

 Twilight: New Moon star Ashley Greene and funnyman Justin Long came together to shoot a Public Service Announcement for the campaign.

 ”When I heard the statistics, it was hard to ignore. Teens everywhere want to help with this important issue of youth homelessness and now the earthquake in Haiti,” explains Ashley Greene.” I want to do everything I can to help young people take action, and ‘Teens for Jeans’ is a great way for them to get involved.”

 ”I got involved with this campaign because it is so important that no teen goes this winter without warm clothes,” Justin Long adds. “I want every fan to join me in bringing their jeans into any Aero store to make this the most successful year ever.”

 You can view their PSA at TeensforJeans.com.

Starting Tuesday, January 19th until Sunday, February 14th, people are encouraged to bring in any brand of their gently worn jeans to any Aeropostale store in the U.S. and Canada. Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org will make sure the jeans are donated teens in Haiti as well as to one of the 600 local youth shelters that have been selected as partners.  As an extra incentive for those who donate, Aeropostale will give an additional 25% off a new pair of jeans, though no purchase is necessary. Donors will also have the chance to win signed jeans from Kellan Lutz, Kelly Clarkson, cast members of 90210, Glee, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and many more of today’s young stars.

 In addition to getting customers involved in stores, Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org are encouraging teenagers in their local high schools and colleges to coordinate “Teens for Jeans” school drives.  Students who collect more than 500 pairs of jeans will receive a banner for their school, recognition on the DoSomething.org and Aeropostale websites and the chance to win a pizza party for their entire class.

To learn how to get involved or for more information about teen homelessness and what you can do, visit teensforjeans.com.

 About Aeropostale, Inc.

Aeropostale, Inc. is a mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale® stores and 7 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale® maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale® products can only be purchased in its Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale™ products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 894 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 44 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 14 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 5 states. 

 About Do Something

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people rock causes they care about  A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org in on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers:  teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

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