Underwriting support from:
Round up your JCPenney purchases and help your local Boys & Girls Clubs!
100 Percent of Donations Raised at Local JCPenney will Benefit Grand Rapids Youth
From December 4-13, shoppers at the JCPenney at Woodland Mall are invited to “round-up” their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth to support quality afterschool programs. JCPenney has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs to provide at-risk children with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that foster their academic, physical and social development.
In the October “round-up”, the Grand Rapids JCPenney and Kalamazoo JCPenney were in the top 12 fundraising stores in the nation. The Grand Rapids store has already brought in $7,275 (combined total from April, August, and October promotions) and hopes to break the $10,000 mark once December's "round-up" is included.
“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working families,” said Pat Gunnin, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. “As customers shop for the Christmas season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind by rounding-up their purchases to benefit a local cause.” All funds raised from JCPenney’s “Round-Up” campaign will make it possible for more local youth to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs’ afterschool programming, which includes opportunities in the arts, sports and recreation, health and life skills, character and leadership development, and education.
Recent studies show that more than a quarter of America’s school children are on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.* More parents seek the resources to enroll their children in a beneficial afterschool program that help kids develop social skills, provide opportunities to be physically active and achieve academic success in school. JCPenney’s continuing support and commitment to the afterschool cause and has made it possible for tens of thousands of children to participate in essential afterschool programs nationwide.
In the October “round-up”, the Grand Rapids JCPenney and Kalamazoo JCPenney were in the top 12 fundraising stores in the nation. The Grand Rapids store has already brought in $7,275 (combined total from April, August, and October promotions) and hopes to break the $10,000 mark once December's "round-up" is included.
“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working families,” said Pat Gunnin, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. “As customers shop for the Christmas season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind by rounding-up their purchases to benefit a local cause.” All funds raised from JCPenney’s “Round-Up” campaign will make it possible for more local youth to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs’ afterschool programming, which includes opportunities in the arts, sports and recreation, health and life skills, character and leadership development, and education.
Recent studies show that more than a quarter of America’s school children are on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.* More parents seek the resources to enroll their children in a beneficial afterschool program that help kids develop social skills, provide opportunities to be physically active and achieve academic success in school. JCPenney’s continuing support and commitment to the afterschool cause and has made it possible for tens of thousands of children to participate in essential afterschool programs nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
Founded in 1938 by Grand Rapids Superintendent of Police Frank O’Malley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth engages youth in building positive and meaningful relationships with police officers, staff and adults through programs in the areas of recreation, education, leadership development, healthy life skills, arts, education and positive community services. Boys & Girls Clubs offer programs and services that promote and enhance development by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool
About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool
As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works with afterschool organizations to increase the accessibility and affordability of afterschool programs across the country. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, YMCA of the USA, National 4-H, United Way and FIRST, JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool issue by making it the company’s signature cause in 1999. Since its inception, more than $80 million has been distributed to afterschool programs in every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more children to participate in life-enriching programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.
* Data from Afterschool Alliance 2009 report America After 3PM, commissioned by JCPenney Afterschool, is the most in-depth study of how America’s children spend their afternoons.
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