Posted: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 8:52 pm

Shoppers at the JCPenney in Union City are invited to round up their purchases to the nearest whole dollar Wednesday through April 26 and donate the difference to the Obion County 4-H Clubs to support quality after-school and in-school programs in their community.
JCPenney has partnered with 4-H to provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool and in-school programs that foster their academic, physical and social development.
“As customers shop for the Easter season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind by rounding up their purchases to benefit a local cause.” All funds raised from JCPenney’s “Round Up” campaign will make it possible for more local youth to participate in 4-H’s programming.
National research shows that 1 out of 4 of America’s school children is 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 help children 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 and has made it possible more children to participate in positive afterschool environments nationwide.
The Obion County 4-H program has a variety of activities which take place after school hours, according to Obion County University of Tennessee Extension agent Una Johnson. The Union City Afterschool 4-H Club, for example, was formed as the result of a direct need for city school and home-schooled youth who do not have 4-H programming during school hours. During these meetings youth develop life skills, work together to promote team work and participate in service learning through community outreach projects.
4-H has also formed a partnership with the Obion County Public Library, during which youth participate in Kids in the Kitchen, Kids in the Garden and other workshops designed to allow youth to express themselves creatively.
4-H judging teams are also trained during afterschool hours, allowing youth to learn about livestock, wildlife, life skills and consumer decision making.
As a leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works with afterschool organizations to increase the accessibility and affordability of afterschool programs across the country. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Y, National 4-H, United Way and FIRST, JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool issue by establishing the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Over the past decade, more than $100 million has been distributed to afterschool programs across every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more children to participate in life-enriching programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.

Published in The Messenger 4.12.11