All credit for article goes to UPS Store. Original article here.
Books are the bridge between children and a world of opportunity. As the pandemic has altered day-to-day life, children may face severely limited access to books through their schools and libraries. This makes the Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s mission to equip children with books and the vital skill of literacy more important than ever before.
In 2020, The UPS Store® network exceeded expectations raising the largest annual donation for the program to date, totaling nearly $2 million dollars. These donations will allow The UPS Store, Inc. to provide approximately 800,000 books to children who need them most.
“The pandemic has presented new barriers between children and the foundational life skill of literacy, hitting economically disadvantaged families the hardest,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store, Inc. “The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is one impactful way we continue to support the communities we operate in, especially during challenging times. Our network of franchisees and customers are proud to help foster a love of books and learning through our continued commitment to this in-store donation program.”
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, developed by The UPS Store, Inc. and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2008, aims to offer our nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and succeed in life. The program provides direct access to resources that will enhance children’s reading and communication skills. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program works with various agencies to identify local schools and organizations that will benefit from books purchased through the program’s donations.
“We are incredibly thankful for all of the support this program has garnered over the years,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (ret.), president and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The UPS Store continues to make it possible to support children nationwide in their literacy journey, especially amid the pandemic and for years to come.”
In addition to national distribution, The UPS Store, Inc. will hold donation days to distribute 50,000 free books across both Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA as part of its mission to provide underserved children with access to literacy materials. Both events will give out 12 different book titles for children ages 1 through 12 and will be open to the public with all books free to those who can attend. The UPS Store, Inc. will adhere to all safety protocols while distributing books to people in cars and to people that prefer to walk up. A coupon for 15% off packaging services at The UPS Store will also be included with each book.
On Saturday, April 24, The UPS Store, Inc. is proud to team up with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, Inc. to send a school bus to deliver books to children and families at the following scheduled stops in the Atlanta area: Banneker High School, Parklane Elementary School and Oak Hill Child, Family & Adolescent Center. A week later, on Saturday, May 1, The UPS Store, Inc. is proud to work with the San Diego Council on Literacy to deliver a school bus full of books in San Diego County to St. James Lutheran Church, The Jacobs Center and Lexington Elementary School.
In support of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, The UPS Store locations have collected nearly $7.3 million dollars and donated more than 44 million books to kids in need over the past 13 years. The effort not only brings the joy of reading to children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty with the gift of a book.
For more information on the Toys for Tots Literacy Program visit https://www.theupsstore.com/literacy