JCPenney Raises $4.7 Million for Local Afterschool Programs

Customers of JCPenney stores are helping provide local children with access to life-enriching afterschool programs through the Plano, Texas-based retailer’s JCPenney Afterschool Round-up campaign, which recently accumulated more than $1.7 million of donations. Combined with funds raised from three events held last year for a total contribution of $4.7 million, the company reports the initiative will help establish affordable afterschool programs—via organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA and 4-H—in every JCPenney market.

During each 10-day event, shoppers were invited to “round up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. All proceeds directly benefitted a local afterschool program in over 1,100 communities where JCPenney has a store.

“During a time when charitable giving is down across the country, JCPenney customers have come together to make a significant impact in the lives of America’s youth,” said Mike Theilmann, chief human resources and administration officer for JCPenney and chairman of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. “Our customers continue to demonstrate their support for their community as Round-up donations increased 14 percent over last year.” For further information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.

In this issue: The rules for stocking a successful gift section School uniform trends for fall Tips for selling into department stores Outerwear fashion keys in on details Coming In February: Succeeding in the tween boy category Defining the role of independent reps Examining what ‘Made in the USA’ means today Plus: Tween girls’ and boys’ fashion