Belk announced today that its Bainbridge and Thomasville locations raised $1,435 for West Bainbridge Elementary School through its first holiday fundraising campaign, Angel Days. Angel Days provided customers an opportunity to support local Title I elementary schools through direct contributions at local Belk stores. Each store donated 100 percent of the proceeds of the program to a local Title I elementary school. The schools can use the funding to support their individual needs.

“Belk has a longstanding commitment to the communities we serve, and this program gives us a way to raise thousands of dollars for our local schools,” said Jessica Graham, vice president of communications and community relations at Belk. “We wanted to offer customers a way to participate in the giving season, not just through shopping, but through giving back to their local communities.”

Customers donated to the program throughout December. For a $1 contribution, customers received an ornament to place on the Belk angel tree in store. For a $5 contribution, customers received an ornament for the angel tree and an exclusive angel pin.

Title I schools are defined by the US Department of Education as those with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families.