I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Kmart & March of Dimes. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation

Every spring when the Apple Blossoms bloom, I know it’s time for the March of Dimes Walk. Spring brings a renewed opportunity for them to raise funds to help babies who are born too early. These medically fragile little ones are surviving more than ever thanks to advancements made in the care of premature infants.

Preemie Grads walking at the March of Dimes Walk for Babies - 2014, Seattle

Preemie Grads walking at the March of Dimes Walk for Babies – 2014, Seattle

Premature birth can happen to anyone. We still don’t know why some babies are born too soon, but we do know that when they are born early the cost to help them survive can be astronomical. While we’ve been fortunate that none of the babies born into our family have been born prematurely, we know others who’ve lived through the time in NICU and thrived after. That’s why we support the March of Dimes and last year we sent a team to walk the Seattle event. It was an emotional time for all and we loved being a part of the event.

Baby to Boomer Lifestyle March of Dimes Team 2014

Baby to Boomer Lifestyle March of Dimes Team 2014

With the money raised during these events, the March of Dimes is working to reduce the preterm birth rate in the US. They’re also working to improve newborn screening standards throughout the US and to advocate for mobile clinics to increase the access to prenatal care, and provide transportation to obtain medical care.

The March of Dimes has raised more than $125 million dollars with the help of partners like Kmart. For 32-years, they’ve worked together to help these precious babies and their families and for twenty-three of those years they’ve been the national sponsor. This year they’ve added Kmart ambassador, Jillian Michaels. She was tasked with designing exclusive t-shirts for participants to wear in the 2015 March for Babies walks across the US.

Kmart has teamed with celebrity fitness icon, mom and Kmart ambassador, Jillian Michaels to kick-off its 2015 fundraising support for the March of Dimes on Sat., April 25, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Casey Rodgers/Invision for Kmart/AP Images)

Kmart has teamed with celebrity fitness icon, mom and Kmart ambassador, Jillian Michaels to kick-off its 2015 fundraising support for the March of Dimes on Sat., April 25, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Casey Rodgers/Invision for Kmart/AP Images)

Kmart.com/MarchofDimes – Ways to Give

But what if you can’t participate in a March of Dimes walk? No worries, you can still help these babies and their families. Kmart will reward Shop Your Way members for giving back until June 20, 2015 with a coupon for 5% back in points to use for your next qualifying online or in-store purchase.  If you’re not a Shop Your Way member, you can also donate online or buy Kmart’s collectible puppy figurine that is available both online and in-store for just $5. One dollar from each sale will go to the March of Dimes.

What is the March of Dimes? FInd out more and donate online or at Kmart stores nationwide - ad

You can also donate online or in-store directly to the March of Dimes. Your donations will go to help provide information on healthy pregnancies, aid pregnant women overcome substance abuse, and education parents on the value of vaccinations.

Find out more about the March of Dimes

Jillian Michaels March for Babies T-shirt Giveaway

Two lucky readers will win their own Jillian Michaels/Kmart March of Dimes t-shirt. Leave a blog comment telling me what the March of Dimes means to you. That’s it!

Two random winners will be chosen on 5/10/2015. US mailing addresses only; must be at least 18 years old to enter. Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstakes, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central