jcpenney Enhances 4-H Support With 'jcp cares' Charitable Giving Program

Customers Can Round-up at the Register to Help 4-H

CHEVY CHASE, Md., July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National 4-H Council is pleased to announce that jcpenney is continuing its support of 4-H programming with 'jcp cares' - a new charitable giving program that invites customers to round up their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference. In August, National 4-H Council will be one of two featured charity partners, making it possible for more children to participate in life-enriching afterschool programs in communities across the country.

"For more than 50 years, jcpenney's partnership with 4-H has provided millions of youth across the country the opportunity to learn from 4-H high-quality positive youth development programs," said Donald T. Floyd Jr., National 4-H Council president and CEO.  "We are thrilled to be one of jcp cares' charity partners as this investment will strengthen and expand these 4-H programs that empower young people to create a positive impact in their communities that benefit their peers, families, and communities."

Also, starting on August 1, every jcpenney salon across the nation will offer free haircuts to students in grades K-6 with the promise of donating $1 for every haircut – up to $50,000 – split between National 4-H Council and Boys & Girls Club of America for every cut on August 1.

"Through jcp cares, we're able to work with our customers to address some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today," said Miki Woodard, president of jcp cares and vice president of philanthropy at jcpenney. "The support of afterschool programs continues to be an important cause to both jcpenney and our customers. By simply scheduling a free hair cut or rounding up their purchases, jcpenney customers will be able to make a huge difference in supporting afterschool programs that inspire and empower kids across America."

Throughout jcpenney's history, 4-H has been an important part of its philanthropic focus. Mr. James Cash Penney himself was a long-time supporter of 4-H through active involvement with the organization spanning almost 50 years. From 1928 until his death in 1971, Mr. Penney generously gave his time, leadership and financial support to advance the mission of 4-H and help it grow into one of the world's most recognized and highly respected youth organizations.

Together with its customers, jcpenney has supported 4-H and its high-quality positive youth development programs by contributing more than $10 million over the past 12 years. Its support has provided for volunteer and staff training, curriculum development and increased capacity through afterschool access grants. Additionally, it made possible for families who were experiencing financial hardship to enroll or keep their children involved in 4-H afterschool programs. jcpenney's support has provided millions of youth with a safe place to learn, grow and become smart, strong and socially responsible citizens.

About 4-H
4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA.  4-H programs are implemented by the 111 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-h.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H.

About jcpenney
More than a century ago, James Cash Penney founded his company on the principle of the Golden Rule: treat others the way you'd like to be treated – Fair and Square. His legacy continues to this day, as J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) boldly transforms the retail experience across 1,100 stores and jcp.com to become America's favorite store. Focused on making the customer experience better every day, jcpenney is dreaming up new ways to make customers love shopping again. On every visit, customers will discover great prices every day in a unique Shops environment that features exceptionally curated merchandise, a dynamic presentation and unmatched customer service. For more information, visit us at jcp.com.

SOURCE National 4-H Council