Big Brothers Big Sisters Receives More Than $1.3 Million Thanks to Funds Raised by jcpenney and Haggar

PHILADELPHIA, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, will be able to help mentor more young people thanks to $1.3 million raised through jcpenney's charitable giving program, jcp cares, and the retailer's national brand partner, Haggar.

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Throughout the month of June jcpenney invited customers to support the nationwide mentoring program by rounding up their purchases, both in-store and online at jcp.com, to the nearest dollar, donating the difference to help Big Brothers Big Sisters.  As part of the effort, jcpenney also donated $50,000, representing $1 for every $50 gift card sold during the month up to $50,000.  Haggar also joined jcpenney in its support and will be contributing $50,000, representing $1 for every pair of Haggar pants sold up to $50,000 at jcpenney in June.

"Our local agencies across the country experienced first-hand the generosity of jcpenney's customers and team members," said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Pierson.  "Thanks to the funds raised through this partnership, Big Brother Big Sisters will be able to continue to make, maintain and monitor long-term mentoring matches to help children who face adversity in school and life."

"We are proud that our team members were so eager to partner with us to provide funding for an organization that is making a significant positive difference in the lives of children, families and communities across the country," said Miki Woodard, jcp cares president and vice president of philanthropy for jcpenney.  "Additionally, we are grateful to have had our brand partner Haggar join us in our support of Big Brothers Big Sisters' important work.  The results are a tribute to our customers' concern for their communities and their willingness to partner with our stores and one of our great brands to give back."

In addition to its donation and fund raising efforts, jcpenney also sponsored a Big Brothers Big Sisters Reunite Now alumni-themed luncheon at the non-profit mentoring network's National Conference in Denver.  During the special event, Big Brothers Big Sisters surprised a jcpenney team member by reuniting him with the Little Brother he mentored for several years before he relocated from Minnesota to Texas.

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.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.  Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course.  Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey Report reinforces the mentoring program's evidence base of positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization's 100-year history.  With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. The organization is engaged in a nationwide search to reunite with alumni mentors, mentees, donors, and family, staff and board members.  Learn more at BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

About Haggar Clothing Co.
Since its beginnings in a one-room office in Dallas, Texas in 1926, Haggar Clothing Co. has grown from a manufacturer of men's fine dress pants and slacks, into one of the most recognized and original apparel brands in the market. Haggar coined the term "slacks" in 1938 and continued to lead menswear innovation with the introduction of pre-cuffed pants, expandable waist pants, wrinkle-free cotton casual pants, and suit separates. In addition to its Haggar® brand, the company has developed and launched the highly successful and eco-friendly LK Life Khaki™ brand.  Haggar is the official clothing partner of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Haggar Clothing Co. today commands the #1 market position in men's dress pants in the United States, as well as the #2 share in men's casual pants, and has been a leader in men's apparel for over 85 years.

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters