National retailer celebrates 10th anniversary of Toys for Tots Literacy Program, invites public to nominate non-profits that need books
The UPS Store, Inc. will donate $100,000 worth of books to children-focused non-profit organizations across the country to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
The retail shipping and business services chain will give away $10,000 worth of Scholastic books to 10 schools or non-profit organizations in support of children’s literacy in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The UPS Store invites the public to nominate qualifying charitable and philanthropic groups at www.theupsstore.com/bookgiveaway now through Saturday, Dec. 15.
The Contest is now open for nominations and the selected organizations will be announced in January 2019. Nominations can be submitted online with a brief statement about how the organization will help the Toys for Tots Literacy Program meet its mission to provide books to economically disadvantaged children.
The UPS Store will select nominees under the following criteria: (1) school/organization serves disadvantaged children, (2) school/organization has clearly defined mission and values, and (3) school/ organization demonstrates a need for youth educational resources.
“The UPS Store believes in the tremendous role that literacy plays in setting up children for success in the future,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “This book giveaway for ten impactful, deserving organizations is the perfect way to celebrate our 10th year anniversary of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.”
The UPS Store has been the exclusive corporate supporter for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since its inception in 2008. The UPS Store network of franchises and customers across the nation has helped raise $4.6 million for the program equating to nearly 40 million books. Every book and financial donation during the annual holiday drive benefits local children in need or the libraries, schools, and existing programs that serve them. Additionally, 100 percent of each dollar donated at The UPS Store locations is used to purchase books.
“For a child living in poverty, if a parent has reading materials in the house and takes time to read to the child, the child’s reading proficiency and abilities will accelerate,” said retired Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Together, we have been able to distribute more than 39 million books to less fortunate children across the country. We are so grateful for our partnership with The UPS Store in making a difference in these communities that need it most.”
Children’s illiteracy remains an issue in the United States as disparities between socioeconomic groups persist. In America, a quarter of children grow up without learning how to read and 47 percent of fourth graders from low-income families read below the basic level. Additionally, there are gaps in access to books at home as the Kids & Family Reading Report from Scholastic reported households with an income of $35,000 and under own an average of 69 children’s books, compared to 127 books in households with incomes higher than $100,000.
“We need to get books into the hands of less fortunate children living in poverty,” said Osman. “Independent reading at home leads to major literacy increases. That’s the solution, that’s the key, and we can break this cycle of poverty. That’s what the Toys for Tots Literacy Program does.”
The UPS Store, Inc. will donate $100,000 worth of books to children-focused non-profit organizations across the country to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
The retail shipping and business services chain will give away $10,000 worth of Scholastic books to 10 schools or non-profit organizations in support of children’s literacy in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The UPS Store invites the public to nominate qualifying charitable and philanthropic groups at www.theupsstore.com/bookgiveaway now through Saturday, Dec. 15.
The Contest is now open for nominations and the selected organizations will be announced in January 2019. Nominations can be submitted online with a brief statement about how the organization will help the Toys for Tots Literacy Program meet its mission to provide books to economically disadvantaged children.
The UPS Store will select nominees under the following criteria: (1) school/organization serves disadvantaged children, (2) school/organization has clearly defined mission and values, and (3) school/ organization demonstrates a need for youth educational resources.
“The UPS Store believes in the tremendous role that literacy plays in setting up children for success in the future,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “This book giveaway for ten impactful, deserving organizations is the perfect way to celebrate our 10th year anniversary of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.”
The UPS Store has been the exclusive corporate supporter for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since its inception in 2008. The UPS Store network of franchises and customers across the nation has helped raise $4.6 million for the program equating to nearly 40 million books. Every book and financial donation during the annual holiday drive benefits local children in need or the libraries, schools, and existing programs that serve them. Additionally, 100 percent of each dollar donated at The UPS Store locations is used to purchase books.
“For a child living in poverty, if a parent has reading materials in the house and takes time to read to the child, the child’s reading proficiency and abilities will accelerate,” said retired Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Together, we have been able to distribute more than 39 million books to less fortunate children across the country. We are so grateful for our partnership with The UPS Store in making a difference in these communities that need it most.”
Children’s illiteracy remains an issue in the United States as disparities between socioeconomic groups persist. In America, a quarter of children grow up without learning how to read and 47 percent of fourth graders from low-income families read below the basic level. Additionally, there are gaps in access to books at home as the Kids & Family Reading Report from Scholastic reported households with an income of $35,000 and under own an average of 69 children’s books, compared to 127 books in households with incomes higher than $100,000.
“We need to get books into the hands of less fortunate children living in poverty,” said Osman. “Independent reading at home leads to major literacy increases. That’s the solution, that’s the key, and we can break this cycle of poverty. That’s what the Toys for Tots Literacy Program does.”
