The Finish Line Youth Foundation raised more than $1.42 million during its annual Holiday Drive in 656 Finish Line stores across the U.S. and online at finishline.com.

The theme of this year's Holiday Drive was "Cheer them on every step of the way," and Finish Line customers did just that.

"We're so grateful for the ongoing support of our fundraising efforts, both in fall during back-to-school and during the holidays," said Marty Posch, executive director of the Finish Line Youth Foundation. "Every donation from a Finish Line customer gives kids new opportunities to learn and live an active lifestyle."

The first $1 million raised from the Holiday Drive will fund Special Olympics activities nationwide, including Special Olympics TRAIN (Testing Recreational Activities and Improving Nutrition), a sport and nutrition assessment tool for athletes and their families.

The more than $420,000 remaining donations from the 2013 Holiday Drive will provide grants for community-based youth athletic programs as well as organizations that provide services to individuals who are disadvantaged or disabled.

To learn more about the Finish Line Youth Foundation and its efforts, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/finishlineyouthfoundation.

About The Finish Line Youth Foundation

The Finish Line Youth Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of youth in the communities where employees and customers live, work and play. The Youth Foundation funds non-profit organizations that provide opportunities for kids to participate in community-based youth athletic programs and camps that emphasize sports and active lifestyles, especially programs that serve disadvantaged and special needs kids. In partnership with The Finish Line, Inc., the Youth Foundation has pledged multi-year support of Special Olympics as a part of its ongoing mission to celebrate the everyday achievements of athletes everywhere. For more information about the Youth Foundation, please visit http://www.finishline.com/youthfoundation or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/finishlineyouthfoundation or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/finishlineyf.

Finish Line Youth Foundation
Dianna L. Boyce, Corporate Communications, 317-613-6577
dboyce@finishline.com