Kohl's Department Stores recently launched their summer program by offering an Over the Hedge storybook accompanied by RJ the Raccoon and Verne the Turtle plush characters.

As part of its Kohl's Cares for Kids summer program, Kohl's stores across the country will feature the special items for $5 each with 100 percent of the net profits benefiting children's health and educational opportunities in Kohl's communities nationwide.

Based on the movie, the storybook version of the movie and characters allow children to enjoy the fun and lighthearted tale of friendship and adventure as a mischievous raccoon and his forest creature friends venture over the hedge that separates them from a new suburban development that appeared over the winter while they were sleeping.

"In addition to sharing a great story with their families, shoppers will also help raise millions of dollars to benefit children nationwide," said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing for Kohl's.

Locally, Kohl's has provided University of Iowa Children's Hospital with more than $715,000 over the past five years to underwrite programs such as the University of Iowa Children's Hospital and Kohl's Health and Safety Initiatives, Starbright World, Reach Out and Read, CarePage Service, the hospital tutor program and its renovated pediatrics classroom, family-centered care initiatives and community outreach projects.

The Kohl's Cares for Kids program supports children's health and educational opportunities, including the University of Iowa Children's Hospital program that supports children's health initiatives across the country; the Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship program that recognizes kids who transform their local communities through volunteerism; an associate volunteer program that encourages volunteerism to benefit local youth-focused nonprofit organizations; and a gift card fundraising opportunity for local schools and non-profit youth groups. Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's operates 749 stores in 43 states.

University of Iowa Children's Hospital is the state's longest-serving children's hospital. More than 140,000 children receive care at University of Iowa Children's Hospital and its statewide network of outreach clinics each year.

For more information:

University of Iowa Children's Hospital

Kohl's Department Stores

Kohl's Cares for Kids