Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which claims to be the nation's largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, says it will be able to help mentor more young people thanks to $1.3 million raised through J.C. Penney Co.'s charitable giving program, jcp cares, and the retailer's national brand partner, Haggar Clothing Co.

Throughout the month of June, J.C. Penney invited customers to support the nationwide mentoring program by rounding up their purchases, both in-store and online at jcp.com, to the nearest dollar, donating the difference to help Big Brothers Big Sisters.

As part of the effort, the big apparel and home furnishing retailer chain also donated $50,000, representing $1 for every $50 gift card sold during the month, up to a maximum $50,000. Haggar also joined J.C. Penney in its support and will be contributing $50,000, representing $1 for every pair of Haggar pants sold at J.C. Penney in June, up to the same maximum.

"Our local agencies across the country experienced firsthand the generosity of J.C. Penney's customers and team members," says Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Pierson. "Thanks to the funds raised through this partnership, Big Brother Big Sisters will be able to continue to make, maintain, and monitor long-term mentoring matches to help children who face adversity in school and life."

Miki Woodard, jcp cares president and vice president of philanthropy for J.C. Penney, says, "We are proud that our team members were so eager to partner with us to provide funding for an organization that is making a significant positive difference in the lives of children, families, and communities across the country. Additionally, we are grateful to have had our brand partner Haggar join us in our support of Big Brothers Big Sisters' important work."

In addition to its donation and fundraising efforts, J.C. Penney sponsored a Big Brothers Big Sisters Reunite Now alumni-themed luncheon at the Big Brothers Big Sisters national conference in Denver. During the special event, Big Brothers Big Sisters surprised a J.C. Penney team member by reuniting him with the Little Brother he mentored for several years before he relocated from Minnesota to Texas.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. With about 350 agencies across the country, the organization says it serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers, and families.