BERLIN, N.J., June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Crafters, hobbyists and scrapbookers were busy this past month, but not how you might think. The groups were galvanized by A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc.'s, (NASDAQ: ACMR) www.acmoore.com annual campaign to support Easter Seals and families living with autism.

A.C. Moore customers and staff donated more than $170,000 to the Easter Seals Act for Autism campaign through checkout contributions in April and May. The effort was part of A.C. Moore's Crafting a Better World" community outreach program.

All monies raised support Easter Seals' autism services and stay in the same local communities where they were raised, giving thousands of children and adults with autism access to critical services that help them live, learn, work, and play.

Top A.C. Moore stores were:


    --  Clifton, N.J. , $5,882
    --  Wilmington, Del., $ 5,268
    --  Moorestown, N.J., $4,869
    --  White Marsh, Md., $4,546
    --  Lancaster, Penn., $4,508

Some store managers and personnel were even more creative -- giving incentive to fellow employees and customers to donate to the cause. They created posters and shaved their heads (and legs) to help raise funds.

"We are so honored to be part of this campaign that helps families living with autism," says David Abelman, A.C. Moore's Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer. "We are proud of our employees; they are a reflection of the caring communities where they live. We continue to support our local families and hope to inspire others to as well."

"A.C. Moore's customers and employees really proved that while autism may not affect every family, every family can affect autism," said Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, national director autism services for Easter Seals. "Their generosity allows Easter Seals to provide services to thousands of families living with autism, ensuring that they get the care, guidance and support they need."

About A.C. Moore

With 135 stores along the East Coast, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. brings families together for fun through creativity. Recently named by Parents Magazine as one of the top 10 places for birthday parties, A.C. Moore offers a wide range of programs to engage adults and children in crafting, including workshops, demonstrations and "Make & Takes." In addition to traditional craft products, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts is also well-known for its selection of scrapbooking, jewelry, floral, yarn, fine art supplies, children's crafts kits and educational toys, along with ready-made frames and custom framing. To locate your local A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, visit us at www.acmoore.com, www.facebook.com/acmoore, twitter.com/officialacmoore and www.youtube.com/user/officialacmoore.

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com or www.actforautism.org.

SOURCE Easter Seals