The UPS Store Teams Up With Toys for Tots to Showcase the Importance of Childhood Literacy

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2016 -- The right book can open a world of learning, understanding and joy for a child. Access to books at home improves literacy skills and makes reading fun. To help fill children’s bookshelves and imaginations across the country, today, The UPS Store kicks off its annual fundraising campaign benefiting the Toys for Tots^® Literacy Program at its 4,500 plus locations nationwide.

The Literacy Program, developed by The UPS Store and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2008, is starting earlier than previous years to make this the biggest and best fundraising year to date. One hundred percent of each dollar donated at The UPS Store^® locations will go to the purchase of books for less fortunate children in local communities across the United States. Page by page, shelf by shelf, each dollar and book donated from now through the holidays helps a child practice and enjoy reading.  

“This is our way to give back to our communities through the promotion of education and literacy,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store, Inc. “We feel honored to help build a foundation of reading and learning for our nation’s children, especially those who may not have access to these opportunities.”

Each locally owned and operated store is an integral part of nationwide fundraising efforts. Participating The UPS Store locations accept monetary donations, providing the option to add a donation to the total purchase at check-out and encourage book donations to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Each store plays a vital role encouraging customers and employees to join in on the fun and compete for the most successful store.

“We look forward to this fundraising initiative every year,” said Larry Adler, franchisee of The UPS Store. “I believe that reading is key to the success in education and that books are the best way to reach young people. We all remember the excitement of a new book from our childhood and want to make sure every child has that experience. Whether it’s a donation at check-out or people coming in with their arms full of books, we love how our employees and customers unite for a meaningful cause.”

On top of raising funds, The UPS Store will bring much-needed awareness about the importance of literacy by putting the cause on display in a big way. The UPS Store will conclude the fundraising effort with a float in the 128^th Roses Parade® highlighting the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. This year the Rose Parade will be on Jan. 2 and is themed “Echoes of Success”. The UPS Store plans to showcase the anticipated success of this year’s program by celebrating all the individuals and communities that make the Toys for Tots Literacy Program possible. The float, which will be four-stories high and weigh in at 16 tons, will bring to life the concept of learning through literacy.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program offers the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children direct access to books and educational resources to enhance children’s ability to read and communicate effectively. Since the program launched, UPS and The UPS Store network have raised more than $3.5 million dollars to purchase books for children in need. As a result, the literacy program has distributed more than 36.8 million books to children across the United States.

To find The UPS Store location nearest you or to make a contribution to support literacy, visit theupsstore.com/roses.

About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 69^th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org

About The UPS Store

With more than 4,500 locations, The UPS Store® network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, including information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit www.theupsstore.com. Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore. Copyright © 2016 The UPS Store, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses^®

The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts America’s New Year Celebration^® with the Rose Parade^® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game^® presented by Northwestern Mutual and a variety of accompanying events. 935 volunteer members of the association will drive the success of 128th Rose Parade themed “Echoes of Success,” on Monday, January 2, 2017, followed by the 103rd Rose Bowl Game.  For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and visit our blog at blog.tournamentofroses.com.

Chelsea Lee
The UPS Store
858-652-0581
[email protected]