J. C. Penney Company, Inc. established JCPenney Afterschool, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in need has access to a quality afterschool program in their community. As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works to increase opportunities offered by afterschool programs in order to empower the 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 Conference, 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.[1]
JCPenney continually seeks to understand how the afterschool issue is evolving and how economic factors may impede access for many American working families. A recent study shows that one out of every four children in America are on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.[2] Despite growing participation in afterschool programs (8.4 million children), the availability of quality afterschool programs is not keeping pace with the rising needs of 15 million children who currently have no place to go after school. JCPenney works with afterschool organizations to increase the accessibility and affordability of afterschool programs across the country.
Round-up for JCPenney Afterschool In 2007, JCPenney began fundraising events periodically throughout the year to allow for customers to give back to their community by supporting an afterschool program. During each "Round-up" event, customers are invited to round-up their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to JCPenney Afterschool. In 2009, customer contributions resulted in an annual total of $4.7 million. All proceeds raised directly benefitted a local afterschool program in over 1,100 communities where JCPenney has a store.
Sponsorship of the Rascal Flatts Unstoppable Tour JCPenney is the official sponsor of the Rascal Flatts Unstoppable tour. The band will promote JCPenney's brand "American Living," a concept by Polo Ralph Lauren's Global Concept Group. In conjunction with the tour, Rascal Flatts has written a bonus track for their new CD to debut April 7, 2009, entitled "American Living." Customers purchasing the CD from any JCPenney store will find the track on their album. $1 of each CD sold will be donated to JCPenney Afterschool.