Kohl’s Department Store and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital are teaming up for a series of charitable promotions.

“Kohl’s Cares is a program in stores nationwide benefiting hospitals,” said Dave Dennis, a store manager at the Kohl’s near West Town Mall. “We raise thousands of dollars annually.”

By purchasing a stuffed animal, shoppers are putting money in the hands of those who need it.

“Each year, Kohl’s picks an item nationwide to benefit a Children’s Miracle Network hospital,” said Janya Marshall, assistant director of public relations for Children’s Hospital. “They try to pick books or CDs for educational value. Yes, they’re buying a plush animal, but they get the CD or book as well.”

This year Kohl’s is offering seven different animals for $5 each. All the animals are accompanied by the book in which they are featured.

The selected books for the back-to-school promotion are from the Laura Numeroff collection of classic children’s books. They include “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” “If You Take a Mouse to School” and “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.”

Generally, these back-to-school items sell extremely well.

“Last year in 2002, Kohl’s spring, back-to-school and Christmas promotions raised more than $68,000 for Children’s Hospital,” Marshall said. “With these promotions, they have to find the right balance. The amount we sell usually depends on the item more than the time of year.”

Most of the money raised provides the hospital with medical equipment that they otherwise couldn’t afford.

The Kohl’s back-to-school promotion is set to run through September or while supplies last.

“This is definitely something that our community is getting involved in,” Marshall said.

Area Kohl’s locations include Farragut, Deane Hill and Washington Pike.