“Round-Up” Holiday Purchases for Clubs

Monday, December 6, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aberdeen, MD – December 3, 2010 – Through December 14, shoppers at the JCPenney store in the White Marsh Mall are invited to “round-up” their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford Count to support quality afterschool programs. JCPenney has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club to provide at-risk children with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that foster their academic and social development.

“Quality afterschool programs are critical to young people in the critical after school hours,” said Randy Acosta, Boys & Girls Club Executive Director. “This holiday season we hope customers will keep us in mind and round up their JCPenny purchases for local youth.”

All funds raised from JCPenney’s “Round-Up” campaign will make it possible for more local youth to participate in the Boys & Girls Club’s afterschool programming, which includes 6 site programs in Harford County.

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 helps 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 has made it possible for tens of thousands of children to participate in essential afterschool programs nationwide.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County was established in 1989 by a group of concerned citizens in the Aberdeen area. In its 20 year history, it has grown to 4 sites throughout Harford County and now serves more than 400 children and teens on a daily basis. Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club is open to all youth ages 6 to 18 and provides positive youth development programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Health & Life Skills; Education & Career Development; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

###