Whittier, California (November 18, 2009) – Thanks to funds raised through a recent “Round-Up” program at the JCPenney at Whittwood Town Center, local children in need will continue to have access to afterschool programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, the store’s JCPenney Afterschool Fund partner. From August 5-16th, JCPenney customers were invited to “round-up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to local afterschool programs that provide at-risk children access to life-enriching activities that inspire children to be smart, strong and socially responsible. 

 

“With the $1,604 raised from JCPenney Whittwood Town Center’s recent ‘Round-Up’ program, even more children can benefit from the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier’s afterschool programs, said Samantha Ridout, Executive Director. “We appreciate JCPenney’s support as we work towards our goal of providing high-quality afterschool programs that provides academic, physical and social development for children in Whittier.”

 

JCPenney’s Round-Up program was held in conjunction with Lights On Afterschool, the largest national Afterschool awareness day with more than 7,500 local events taking place throughout the nation. Marking the 10th anniversary of the rally, events across the country included student performances, open houses, art and essay contests, art displays, tree lightings, carnivals, and much more.     

 

As part of Lights On Afterschool this year, JCPenney and the Afterschool Alliance released results from America After 3 PM: A Household Survey on Afterschool in America, the most in-depth study ever done to explore how America’s children spend their afternoons.  Sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a public charity that inspires children to be smart, strong and socially responsible, the study measures progress and includes updated information on afterschool participation nationally and in all 50 states. 

 

Deborah Arroyo, Director of Development

(562) 945-0387 x102

 

Quinton Crenshaw, 972-431-3400,  HYPERLINK "mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

The Boys & Girls Club of Whittier provides year round programs for youth ages 7 to 18 in the areas of Education & Career Development; Character & Leadership; Health & Life Skills; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; and Visual & Performing Arts.  The Club offers young people what they need most: a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and interesting, constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits.  

 

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire children to be smart, strong and socially responsible.  To date, JCPenney and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund have contributed more than $80 million to local afterschool programs in every JCPenney community through partnerships with the YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H and United Way of America. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org for more information.