100 Percent of Donations Raised at JCPenney will Benefit Edinburg Youth
Edinburg, Texas (March 23, 2010) – From March 24 – April 6, shoppers at the JCPenney in Edinburg are invited to “round-up” their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV to support quality afterschool programs in their community. JCPenney has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV to provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that foster their academic, physical and social development.
“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working families,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer. “As customers shop for the Easter 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 Club’s afterschool programming, which includes the SHINE program which allows transportation from designated schools and the ability to provide a free meal and snack to participants through Kids Cafe.
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 more children to participate in positive afterschool environments nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV
The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 39 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and Hidalgo County United Way Agency.
About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool
As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works to increase opportunities offered by afterschool programs in order to empower our nation’s children with the tools they need to succeed in life. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs 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 kids 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.
For further information contact:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV
If you would like to learn more about after school programs or would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.
JCPenney
Daphne Avila, 972-431-3400, jcpcorpcomm@jcpenney.com
