The Domestic Violence Shelter does important work in keeping abused women and children safe. This donation from Rent-A-Center will aide in the Domestic Violence Shelter fulfilling its mission.
Jay Goyal, Ohio State Representative

Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ:RCII), the nation's largest rent-to-own company, made a donation of furniture and electronics to the Domestic Violence Shelter in Mansfield Ohio through the company's Random Act of Caring initiative. Launched in 2008, Rent-A-Center's Random Acts of Caring initiative is designed to help meet important community needs that pop up around the country in areas where the company has stores.

Rent-A-Center is donating a Table set, Compaq desktop computer, HP laptop computer, (4) 5-drawer chests, Ashley living room set, (8) twin mattresses, (5) full size mattresses, (3) twin mattress and boxspring sets, Twin trundle bed, Digital camera, Refrigerator and a Dryer.

The Domestic Violence Shelter serves victims of domestic violence from Ashland, Huron and Richland counties. The Shelter opened its doors in 1979 as one of three domestic violence shelters in Ohio. It can house up to ten families. The Shelter offers a safe place for women and their children, as well as assistance with support groups, legal advocacy, a family development program, and a volunteer and community education program to provide victims a comprehensive plan to assist them in breaking away from abusive situations. Services have expanded to include not only victims of domestic violence, but also victims of other crimes, such as stalking and sexual assault.

President Obama said recently in a statement proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month; "Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country."

"I am grateful for Rent-A-Center choosing the Domestic Violence Shelter as a recipient of the Random Act of Caring initiative," said Ohio State Representative Jay Goyal. "The Domestic Violence Shelter does important work in keeping abused women and children safe. This donation from Rent-A-Center will aide in the Domestic Violence Shelter fulfilling its mission."

"On behalf of the entire Shelter, I want to express my gratitude to Rent-A-Center for their extremely generous donation," said Katherine Ezawa, executive director, the Domestic Violence Shelter. "We are thrilled beyond words at the gifts for the Shelter. The furniture, beds and appliances could not have come at a better time for us."

Through its Random Acts of Caring initiative, Rent-A-Center visits communities to donate needed merchandise – from appliances to home furnishings to electronics to computers – to organizations that make a difference in people's lives. There is no application process as deserving community causes are chosen at random.

"For our coworkers who understand and champion the importance of a mutually beneficial relationship with these very same communities, this is a great opportunity to walk the talk," said Mark Speese, Rent-A-Center's chairman and chief executive officer.

In Ohio, Rent-A-Center operates 186 rent-to-own stores. RAC Financial Services, the company's financial services business, operates 54 locations in the state. Rent-A-Center also operates a national product service center in Cincinnati.