J.C. Penney making a difference in October

Less than a week into his role as J.C. Penney’s chief merchant, John Tighe revealed losing his mother to breast cancer and the retailer’s ambitious fundraising plans that kick in during October.



October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and J.C. Penney has launched a range of initiatives to raise awareness and funds. For starters, the company is asking customers throughout the month of October to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar.



"We're making it easy for customers to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Tighe, a long time J.C. Penney merchant who was recently promoted to the chief merchant role. "As someone who lost his mother to this disease, I believe every cent counts when it comes to helping fund the fight against breast cancer. With our customers' help, we can assist organizations doing great work in helping to bring attention and awareness to an important health issue affecting one in eight women in the United States."



The retailer is also kicking in considerable funding. From now through October, J.C. Penney will donate $1, up to a maximum donation of $15,000, for every purchase of breast cancer awareness hoodies, pants and tees featuring inspiring graphics and messages of hope from its Made for Life activewear brand. J.C. Penney will also donate $1, up to a maximum donation of $100,000, for every Ambrielle bra purchased in October. Donations will support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an organization dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research for prevention and treatment of breast cancer.



Additionally, an assortment of fashion jewelry items and accessories including a silicone bracelet set, silver tone stud earrings and pendant set, and crystal accent keychain will allow J.C. Penney customers to show their support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style.



But wait, there’s more. The retailers more than 800 jcp salons will be hosting a "Cuts for Hope Cut-A-Thon" event Oct. 15-18, donating $1, up to a maximum donation of $100,000, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every haircut service performed.



Since 2012, J.C. Penney, together with its customers, has donated more than $6.4 million for breast cancer awareness, benefiting organizations such as Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen.