To support afterschool programs across the country, JCPenney recently launched a nationwide philanthropic campaign that invites customers to turn small change into pennies from heaven by rounding up their purchases and donating the difference to local organizations, including the Cleveland Family YMCA.

Donations made recently through the pennies from heaven campaign raised $1,402 for the Y and will provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs there.

“With budget cuts in education, there’s never been a more important time to support afterschool programs as a valuable community resource that helps to bridge the education gap,” said Rodney Murray, senior program director of the Cleveland Family YMCA.

National research shows that one out of four students in the U.S. is on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. The Cleveland Family YMCA serves more than 500 students each year by providing children and teens with a safe and nurturing environment around caring adult role models. Combining fitness activities with academics, the Y’s afterschool program promotes creativity, a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character building. The nation’s Ys are a leading resource for parents looking for educational, meaningful and fun activities outside the classroom.

“For more than a decade, JCPenney has been committed to helping kids spread their wings by making it possible for more students to participate in life-enriching afterschool programs,” said David Woods, store manager for JCPenney. “When we leverage the power of a penny to create opportunities for learning, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our future leaders.”

The Cleveland Family YMCA is one of 1,100 afterschool organizations matched with a local JCPenney store that benefits from the proceeds raised during the pennies from heaven campaign. As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, jcpenney is leveraging a cause marketing campaign to bolster national support through broadcast, print and online advertising as well as an engaging digital experience on jcp.com/pennies.

For more information related to the pennies from heaven initiative, visit http://jcpenneyafterschool.org.