Shaq and Jill Team Up to Spread Holiday Cheer

Earlier this week on Giving Tuesday, JCPenney CEO Jill Soltau had the supersized assistance of 15-time All Star and JCPenney Big & Tall Style Ambassador Shaquille O’Neal to bring joy to several non-profits, students, and families, announcing over $240,000 worth of charitable donations at the Penney’s store in Hurst, Texas.

Communities In Schools® (CIS) national office received the largest donation from the Company, with $100,000 to fulfill their mission of supporting students and empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Shaq, a board member of the organization, accepted the donation on their behalf.

The JCPenney Communities Foundation also gave $100,000 in local community grants to eight DFW-area schools and non-profits working to close the opportunity gap, including the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, Big Thought, and Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School. The Company also provided $25,000 in gift cards to the North Texas Communities In Schools® Giving Tree program, and Shaq and Jill played Santa for three local families, delivering surprise holiday gifts to their cars at the Giving Tuesday presentation.

In addition to Giving Tuesday activity, JCPenney continues to give back through its continued holiday partnership with the Salvation Army, with 420 stores participating in the Red Kettle Bell Ringers program this year. JCPenney Home Office associates also continue their more than two-decade tradition of participating in Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, adopting hundreds of angels and fulfilling holiday gift wishes for families in need across North Texas.