Ann Arbor, MI – To mark its 30th Anniversary and celebrate moms who have supported Children’s Orchard franchise stores over the last three decades, Children’s Orchard is launching a contest to find the ”Greenest Mom in America.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Children’s Orchard M.O.M.S Club members around the country regularly shop at our franchise stores and do their part to recycle children’s clothing, toys, furniture, and other items. But we know there are countless other moms who work towards reducing their families’ carbon footprint and teach their children the importance of earth-friendly practices,” said Taylor Bond, President and CEO of Children’s Orchard. “The Greenest Mom Contest is our way to provide a forum for all moms to share their green philosophies and connect with others who have a love for the environment.”

The contest will be hosted on the “Children’s Orchard Greenest Mom Contest” Facebook page. Starting January 15, 2010, moms are encouraged to get creative and show via video, photos and/or words how they lead green lifestyles. The mom that receives the most “likes” for her Facebook entry before April 5, 2010 will win $500 in gift cards to Children’s Orchard.

“The beauty of the contest is that the greenest mom will be chosen by other moms for going above and beyond in her efforts to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle,” Bond said. “Whether it’s using low-flow appliances or re-usable grocery bags and water bottles, the mom who receives the most positive feedback from Facebook users will be crowned the greenest mom in the country.”

Since its founding in 1980, Children’s Orchard franchise stores across the country have recycled and donated nearly 250 million pieces of children’s clothing and have helped parents save thousands of dollars on their children’s wardrobes. At a traditional retail store, customers would expect to pay $50 or more for a Gymboree dress; the same dress would cost around $7 at Children’s Orchard. Similarly, GAPKIDS, Abercrombie, Tommy Hilfiger Kids separates that cost upwards of $70 at most stores would likely be closer to $12-$15 at Children’s Orchard.

In addition to selling high-end items at low-end prices, Children’s Orchard buys clothes and other items, paying store credit or cash for gently-used brand name toys and other products for children – a favorite feature for parents seeking to earn money and live more environmentally conscious lives. If certain items brought to a franchise location do not meet Children’s Orchard quality standards, they are donated to local charitable organizations.

For information about Children’s Orchard, please visit the Children’s Orchard website at www.childrensorchard.com or call (800) 999-KIDS.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Monica Rutkowski,
Fishman Public Relations
(847) 945-1300
mrutkowski@fishmanpr.com  

About Children’s Orchard
Founded in 1980, Children’s Orchard is the nation’s first franchise of gently used and new name-brand children’s items. With more than 60 franchise locations, each Children’s Orchard location buys and sells quality used and new Children’s brand name clothing, toys and accessories in an upscale retail environment. Children’s Orchard stores are designed to emphasize quality, value, comfort and commitment to the local community.