AdoptAClassroom.org and jcpenney Invite Back-to-School Shoppers to Support Local Schools

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- National non-profit organization, AdoptAClassroom.org, and jcpenney have teamed up to encourage back-to-school shoppers to round up their jcpenney purchases to the nearest dollar to assist local teachers in purchasing materials for their classrooms. Through jcpenney's charitable giving program, jcp cares, one hundred percent of round up funds raised in-store and online at jcp.com from Aug. 1-31 will go directly to teachers in local communities across the country. 

More than 15 million children live in households with families who cannot provide all the resources needed to succeed in school. Today, teachers have to purchase nearly 75 percent of all classroom materials out of their own pockets. On average, teachers spend up to $1000 of their own money every school year — totaling more than $1.3 billion annually — buying materials for their classrooms. AdoptAClassroom.org strives to put an end to this growing epidemic by empowering teachers with the funds they need to purchase classroom supplies they need to do their job.

"The generosity of jcpenney and their customers will ensure more K-12 students across the U.S. are set up to succeed in their classrooms this school year," said Bob Thacker, executive director, AdoptAClassroom.org. "With the support of partners like jcpenney, we can continue to provide teachers with the critical resources they need to create a rich learning environment for their students."

During the month of August, all donations made by jcpenney customers who choose to round up their purchases will be made available to local teachers through online credit. Teachers can then use those funds to shop on AdoptAClassroom.org for school supplies to be delivered to their classroom from a network of more than 40 vendors.

"We are thrilled to partner with AdoptAClassroom.org, which provides us the opportunity to make a difference in the communities where we live and work," said Miki Woodard, jcp cares president and vice president of philanthropy for jcpenney. "Working together with our customers, we will be able to impact the lives of teachers and students in communities across the country."

Customers can visit their local jcpenney store or shop online at jcp.com through Aug. 31 to support AdoptAClassroom.org. They can also make a donation at www.jcp.com/jcpcares. For more information about the organization, visit www.adoptaclassroom.org.

About AdoptAClassroom.org
Founded in 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org is a national nonprofit that supports student success by empowering teachers with the funds they need to purchase classroom supplies. To date, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised more than $16 million to support teachers and provide learning materials for 3.6 million students and growing – a majority of which are in low-income, high-need schools. Representing 25 percent of all U.S. schools, more than 87,000 K-12 teachers have registered on the AdoptAClassroom.org website. Teachers can register their classroom on AdoptAClassroom.org to begin receiving support today.

About jcpenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to becoming America's preferred retail destination for unmatched style, quality and value. Across 1,100 stores and at jcp.com, customers will discover an inspiring shopping environment that features the most sought after collection of private, national and exclusive brands and attractions. For more information, please visit jcp.com.

SOURCE AdoptAClassroom.org

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