For the teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, Monday was a day to remember. Thanks to The Aaron’s Company, their teen center at the Lucy Ann Boddie Brewer Clubhouse got a complete transformation—one they helped design themselves.

Through a $20,000 grant, Aaron’s provided brand-new furniture, arcade games, giant TVs, computers, and gaming systems to create a fun, welcoming space. But instead of making those choices for them, Aaron’s let the teens take the lead, allowing them to decide exactly what would make their clubhouse feel like home. From PlayStation 5s and Nintendo Switches to sleek new furniture, they picked out everything themselves, ensuring the space reflected their needs and interests.

Michael Wall, senior director of corporate affairs for Aaron’s, shared how meaningful this initiative was. “Our teens are our future, so it fills us with pride to give back in a way that has such a direct impact during this critical stretch of their development,” he said. “Serving the communities that support us is a critical part of what we do, so our team was thrilled to complete this project and create a lasting impact in the Rocky Mount community.”

Local Aaron’s employees also pitched in, spending 24 hours assembling and setting up the new space—showing their commitment to making a real difference in the community.

Since 2015, Aaron’s has completed 66 of these club makeovers nationwide, investing over $11 million in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Their support goes beyond new furniture and electronics—Aaron’s also helps fund a Trauma-Informed approach to youth development, providing clubs with the resources they need to create safe, supportive environments for kids and teens.

Ron Green, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, expressed his appreciation for the project. "Teens who participate in Boys & Girls Club programs consistently perform better both in school and the community," he said. "This refreshed space gives us a boost in retaining current members and recruiting new young people to our Club. Thanks to Aaron’s, our teens now have a state-of-the-art room where they can develop skills that will lead to positive outcomes and successful futures."

Aaron’s, based in Atlanta, continues to invest in communities across the country while providing lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions through its various brands. To learn more about Aaron’s philanthropic efforts, visit aarons.com/aarons-gives.