JCPenney Afterschool Fund Provides GRANTS to Boys & Girls Clubs of SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio, Oct. 4, 2007

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is awarding grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio in an effort to increase access for youth currently without access – or on the verge of losing access – to after-school programs due to a lack of financial resources. Recent studies show that 14.3 million children in the U.S. are unsupervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. These grants will allow children, who could otherwise be at risk for destructive behavior, access to safe, enriching and educational after-school programs.

Funds from the grants will cover the expense of attending a Club, including staff supervision by full-time, trained youth development professionals; exposure to tried and proven programs; access to community service initiatives; transportation; snacks; and time spent in a safe, “up-to-code”, youth-centric building. Additionally, each mini-grant recipient will receive a $50 JCPenney gift card, courtesy of J.C. Penney Company, Inc., to help with the purchase of clothing and supplies for the school.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has received funding and support from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund for more than five years. High-quality after-school programs keep children safe and produce life-changing, lasting benefits, including healthier lifestyles, improved social skills and enhanced academic performance. In its continuing effort to ensure that every child in America has access to quality after-school programs, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund has give $2,794,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America this year.

About the JCPenney Afterschool Fund
The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children with access to high-quality after-school programs. The Fund’s contributions allow for the continuance and growth of after-school programs aimed at the academic, physical, and social development of children throughout the U.S. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also works to raise awareness of the benefits of after-school programming, and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the world of opportunities that awaits them after school.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio
Founded in 1939, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio serves more than 6,500 members annually at five branch locations and several satellite locations. The Clubs provide after school and summer programs that develop talents, values and skills in youth ages six-to-18 years old, paying particular attention to those who need these programs most. As a result of the Clubs programs, young people are inspired and enabled to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For more information, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio website at: www.bgcsatx.org or call 210-436-0686.