JCPenney is dedicated to the communities where we live and work. Today the Company donated 100,000 disposable face masks and 500,000 shopping bags to Dallas ISD in support of its remarkable effort to feed area families during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The donation comes on #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of generosity and unity created in response to the unprecedented need caused by the pandemic.
Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services Program has provided more than three million meals since schools closed due to the pandemic, and its food-service employees were featured on the cover of TIME magazine’s April 20 issue honoring frontline heroes.
“We deeply appreciate all of our partnerships stepping up for the community during this crisis, especially JC Penney for their generous donation to the district’s Food and Child Nutrition Services department. The 100,000 face masks will ensure safety for our staff, and the 500,000 bags will help us continue to conveniently serve healthy meals to tens of thousands of students every week,” said Michael Rosenberger, executive director of Food and Child Nutrition services at Dallas ISD.
Food-service employees and volunteers offer contact-free food distribution every Thursday, providing 15 weekly meals to approximately 42,000 students and their families. The operation requires approximately 2,800 masks per week for workers and volunteers who prepare and distribute food. Families will use the JCPenney shopping bags to transport the meals home.
“JCPenney and DISD have been long-standing partners, and we are immensely proud of these frontline heroes who are helping feed area children during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Jill Soltau, JCPenney chief executive officer. “We are honored to help protect these workers with masks to last through the summer months and help those who are helping others in their time of need.”
JCPenney has been committed to closing the opportunity gap for at-risk youth and provides resources that help keep local students nourished and engaged in learning.
Our customers can help us continue this kind of work in communities where we live and work by rounding up their purchases at checkout to the nearest dollar for charity. All proceeds benefit the JCPenney Communities Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our charity partners, providing underserved students with professional clothing, youth programming, and career readiness support. Along with continuing our mission of supporting at-risk youth, the JCPenney Communities Foundation will use a portion of funds raised to respond to the evolving needs of COVID-19 and other unforeseen disasters in our communities.
