JCPenney collects cash for Boys and Girls Club

Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club will reap the harvest this fall as the Yuma JCPenney's chosen beneficiary of the company's nationwide Roundup.

Penney's is asking all of its customers through Monday to round up their total purchases to the next highest dollar amount so they can donate the fund to the Boys and Girls Club, said Capt. Jonathan Harvey of the Salvation Army in Yuma.

"They believe strongly in the Boys and Girls Club and the positive effect it has on children."

During the campaign that began Oct. 16, Penney's customers have been offered paper light bulbs for $1 each to sign their name display on Penney's countertops. The entire proceeds are donated to the club.

Newly expanded facilities at the Boys and Girls Club, 1100 S. 13th Ave., now provides more space for its homework assistance program, one of the most popular after-school activities, Harvey said. Salvation Army is now applying for a grant and if approved, they hope to upgrade old computers, he said.

Also, they have just opened a new reading room where children can study quietly. In addition, Boys and Girls Clubs provides children with a cooking class, a crafts room where children are learning to make Halloween decorations now, and a game room where they can play billiards and table tennis.

The club also has a gym and a playing field so children stay physically fit. Also, a Somerton location allows the club to serve 200 children daily, Harvey said.

"I think it would be a sad day if our clubs ever closed. That's 200 kids a day that would be home alone. While at the clubs, they have an opportunity to learn in a safe and fun environment."

The homework assistance program has a staff of eight trained adults who help and encourage children to complete classroom assignments daily. The program is completely dependent upon public donations and is serving a growing number of children, Harvey said.

Joy Lopez-Pearsall, Penney's manager at Yuma Palms mall, said the Roundup campaign is going well but they would like to see greater participation.

"We've always been involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs and we know from our past association with Salvation Army all the things they do for the Yuma community."

Penney's goal is to raise $5,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. So far they have collected $900, which is on track with last year's efforts, Lopez-Pearsall said.

"That's why we encourage more people to come out because we want our customers to join us in our strong commitment to Yuma's children."

More than 700 families have requested assistance with food and toys for the holiday season, Harvey said. The families recently met with Salvation Army staff at its Family Store, 600 W. Catalina Drive, to have their needs assessed and register with them.

Because of the still harsh economic climate, Salvation Army anticipates they will continue to see an increasingly large number of families throughout this month. But they are making every effort possible to make certain that no family goes hungry or have children without toys this Christmas season, Harvey said.

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858