J.C. Penny Uses Social Media To Raise Funds For Troops

By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer

J.C. Penny Company recently announced its partnership with Grammy nominated country music superstar Blake Shelton, sponsoring the artist’s 2014 “Ten Times Crazier” tour, raising awareness and donations to America’s military families through the United States Organizations (USO). The retailer is also offering 20 percent off of store purchases to all currently serving and to their family members during the Fourth of July holiday.

During the 2014 “Ten Times Crazier” tour, running June 20 - October 5, Blake and J.C. Penny’s are incorporating the power of social media to raise funds for the troops though a tweet-to-donate social media campaign, encouraging customers and fans to use hashtags #JCPandBlake4USO and by tagging the company’s name, @JCPenney in social media posts. The retailer will donate $1 to the USO, up to a total of $200,000, for every post including the specific hashtags. With the objective of alerting fans of the campaign, J.C. Penny will launch a public service announcement featuring Blake before every concert. Lucky J.C. Penny shoppers and Blake fans will have the opportunity to experience pre-concert activities and attend tour bus stops at stores along the tour route, beginning July 19 at the Lombard, Illinois Yorktown Shopping Center, stopping through J.C. Penny stores in major centers of New York, North Carolina, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Washington state, Idaho, Utah and ending on October 5 at San Bernardino, Cali. Victoria Gardens store.   

As a continuation of J.C. Penny honoring our servicemen and woman, all recruits and family members have access to a 20 percent off coupon found at jcpenney.com/military, good from July 2 to July 6.

Serving as a J.C. Penny Care Ambassador, Blake Shelton and J.C. Penny’s has raised over $5 million total during the July 2012 and December 2013 customer round-up program, asking J.C. Penny customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar for a donation to the USO.

“Our troops are out there every single day protecting our country and I’m proud to do my part with J.C. Penney to support and salute them for everything they do,” said Blake Shelton. “I’m just blown away by their spirit, determination and loyalty to our country, and this is just one way to say thank you to them.”