JC Penney Customers Help County 4-H

RIO GRANDE — Thanks to funds raised through a recent “Round-Up” program at the JCPenney here, and the Round-Up through Dec. 13, local children in need will continue to have access to after school programming through the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program, the store’s JCPenney Afterschool Fund partner.
According to a release, the Earth Force 4-H After school Club at Lower Cape May Regional High School, received funds to purchase supplies for environmental projects and for a club banner to hang in the Lockwood 4-H Youth Center on the 4-H fairgrounds in Court House.
“We are starting our second year as an after school club, and we wanted a club banner to hang beside those of all the other clubs in Cape May County,” commented club leader and teacher Karren Barr. “We are very thankful to JCPenney and all their generous customers for their support.”
From Oct. 16-25, JCPenney customers were invited to “round-up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to local afterschool programs.
“With the $244 raised from the Rio Grande JCPenney’s recent ‘Round-Up’ program, even more children can benefit from 4-H’s afterschool programs, said 4-H agent B.J. Webersinn. “We appreciate JCPenney’s support as we work towards our goal of providing high-quality afterschool programs that provide academic, physical and social development for children in Cape May County.”
Nearly $500 has been raised in the three round-ups held so far this year with one additional round-up until Dec. 13.
According to Rio Grande Store Manager Scott Franklin, “the results from JCPenney’s ‘America After 3PM’ survey show that 14 percent of children in New Jersey access after school programs – a higher figure than ever before.”
JCPenney will hold one final round-up this year, through Dec. 13, just in time for holiday shopping. The full America After 3 PM report with state summaries is available online at www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.