To support afterschool programs across the country, JCPenney launched a nationwide philanthropic campaign that invites customers to turn small change into “pennies from heaven” by rounding up their purchases and donating the difference to local organizations, including YMCA of Beaufort County. Donations made through “pennies from heaven” will provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs at the Y. <!--more-->
“With budget cuts in education, there’s never been a more important time to support afterschool programs as a valuable community resource that helps to bridge the education gap,” said Michael Bostwick, CEO. “As local families prepare for the back-to-school season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind so that the social and academic learning opportunities we provide after school will continue to be available to Beaufort County students.”
National research shows that one out of four students in the U.S. is on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. The YMCA of Beaufort County serves more than 130 students each year by providing children and teens with a safe and nurturing environment around caring adult role models. Combining play with academics, the Y’s afterschool program promotes creativity, a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character building. The nation’s Ys are a leading resource for parents looking for educational, meaningful and fun activities outside the classroom.
The YMCA of Beaufort County is one of 1,100 afterschool organizations matched with a local JCPenney store that will benefit from the proceeds raised during the pennies from heaven campaign. As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney is leveraging a cause-marketing campaign to bolster national support through broadcast, print and online advertising as well as an engaging digital experience on jcp.com/pennies. The first “pennies from heaven” event will take place through Aug. 27.
“For more than a decade, JCPenney has been deeply committed to helping kids spread their wings by making it possible for more students to participate in life-enriching afterschool programs,” said John Murrie, Beaufort store manager for JCPenney. “When we leverage the power of a penny to create opportunities for learning, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our future leaders.”
For more information related to the pennies from heaven initiative, visit http://jcpenneyafterschool.org.