JCPENNEY KICKS OFF 2013 JCP CARES PROGRAM WITH SUPPORT OF THE Y

Customers Invited to Join in Support this January by
Rounding Up Store Purchases

PLANO, Texas (January 2, 2013) - As part of its charitable giving program jcp cares, jcpenney is supporting the Y (YMCA), one of the nation's leading non-profits, dedicated to strengthening our communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Throughout the month of January, jcpenney customers can join jcpenney in its support by rounding up their store purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donating the difference to benefit the Y.

"Since launching in July 2012, the jcp cares program has raised more than $8 million for our charity partners. We're looking forward to another exciting year, kicking off in January throughout partnership with the Y." said Miki Woodard, president of jcp cares and vice president of philanthropy for jcpenney. "With New Year's resolutions top of mind this month, we're all looking for ways to better ourselves and our communities. Through the simple act of rounding up their purchases, jcpenney customers can help the Y ensure that everyone - regardless of age, income or background - has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive."

The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. Through the Y millions of youth are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.

"Statistics show that a large number of low-income children are behind their middle- and upper-income peers in cognitive, language, social and other skills essential to school success by the time they reach kindergarten, and they fall further behind each school year thereafter," said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the nation's 2,700 Ys. "The Y recognizes this achievement gap as a critical issue affecting our youth and our communities, and thanks to jcp cares, we will be able to reach more children from financially disadvantaged environments with programs that can help improve their school readiness and success. We are very grateful to jcp cares for its ongoing support of the Y."

jcpenney customers can also support the Y through the Facebook social game, WeTopia. Furthermore, customers can make donations to the Y online at jcp.com/jcpcares and find more information about jcpenney's philanthropic commitments.

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. 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.

About the Y:
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.  ymca.net  

jcpenney media relations
Kate Coultas and Daphne Avila
972-431-3400; jcpcorpcomm@jcp.com