JCPenney Press Release

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County RECEIVES $7,500 GRANT FROM JCPENNEY 

Asheville Youth Provided Opportunity to Join Positive Afterschool Programs

Asheville, North Carolina – January 30, 2012 Studies show that one out of every four children in America is left unattended between 3 and 6 p.m. each school day. Thanks to the supportive partnership with JCPenney and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, more Asheville youth will now have the opportunity to attend an afterschool program offered by The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County. The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County will receive a $7,500 access grant to provide parents with the opportunity to engage their children with caring, adult professionals in a safe place filled with life-enhancing programs.

According to the America After 3PM report released by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with JCPenney, a vast majority of parents seek the resources to engage their kids with adult role models who help foster their social, physical and academic development. By providing grants to organizations such as The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County, JCPenney is assisting families with children who are currently not enrolled in afterschool services or are on the verge of withdrawing due to financial hardship. This local grant is part of a larger multi million-dollar distribution from JCPenney benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the YMCA of the USA, National 4-H and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working parents and provide endless opportunities to our local youth,” said Brian Guengerich, Executive Director. “Participating in an afterschool program not only keeps kids safe, it engages them in a positive learning environment that helps them reach their full potential in life.”

Since 1999, JCPenney has continued a long-standing relationship with BGCA in working to provide young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, with access to safe, positive afterschool environments and proven programs. JCPenney has donated more than $30-million to help bring high quality afterschool programs to those youth who need it most. Together, JCPenney and BGCA are having a significant and positive impact on young people and families across the nation. While much work remains to be done to address the growing needs of America’s youth who have no place to go after school, this long-term partnership is a powerful model for ensuring that great futures begin at Boys & Girls Club. 

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County
750 Haywood Road West Asheville, NC 28806