Today, JCPenney is paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a “day on” – not a day off – by encouraging all associates to volunteer and improve their communities in ways big or small. We believe that we are all responsible for taking an active role in bettering the places where we live and work, and this day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage citizens to volunteer to improve their communities. JCPenney is observing the day as a Company-paid holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the example Dr. King set with his fearless pursuit of justice and bold vision for the future. JCPenney helped associates to give back on Jan. 18 by compiling an inspiring volunteer resource guide to provide ideas and information, whether associates preferred to volunteer from home, arrange a volunteer event with colleagues, safely serve alongside members of their community, give blood, or donate food or supplies.
Some associates around the country who have already volunteered submitted photos of their volunteer activity, including feeding the homeless, cleaning city streets, donating blood, writing encouraging notes to students, and packing food kits.
Dr. King’s vision for America is as timely now as ever. His life demonstrated extreme dedication to achieving equality and human rights for Black Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest, which left a lasting legacy in America.
At JCPenney, we look to continue Dr. King’s legacy with service of our own and remember his famous words: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”