Kohl’s Department Stores’ through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently recognized more than 2,200 young volunteers nationwide who have made a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism.

Fifty-three youth from Minnesota will each receive a $50 gift card and recognition certificate from Kohl’s to honor their community service efforts. Among those recipients were 15-year-old Maple Grove resident Claire Frances Baker and nine-year-old Alanna Worrall.

According to Kohl's, "after witnessing the devastation from an earthquake in Haiti, Claire decided to collect shoes for underprivileged Haitian children. Claire spoke to schools, churches, organizations, businesses and at events and asked for their help to collect gently worn shoes. To date, Claire has collected more than 12,500 pairs of shoes for children in Haiti."

Alanna was recognized for her work starting Feel Better Baskets to collect, package and deliver Easter baskets to children at a local hospital. In 2011, Alanna was able to raise enough donations to make 35 baskets and has collected more than $1,500 to date for the 2012 program.

These winners qualify for the chance to receive a $1,000 regional scholarship for post-secondary education, which Kohl’s will award in July. Of the more than 200 regional winners, 10 national winners will each receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf.

“Kohl’s is thrilled to recognize more than 2,200 young volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to bettering the communities in which we live,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Every effort, large or small, makes a difference. Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, we strive to not only recognize these efforts but also encourage outstanding youth to improve their communities through volunteerism.”

Information provided by Kohl's.