The UPS Store network, exclusive sponsor of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, announced that it recently reached a milestone of raising more than $2 million since the program began in 2008. As the first year-round initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the literacy program offers the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children direct access to books and educational resources, which helps enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively, enabling them to compete academically and succeed in life.
Participating The UPS Store locations sell donation cards in the spring as well as in November and December. Centers continue additional fund-raising activities throughout the year, including a coin box program for customers to donate spare change. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation uses every dollar donated to purchase books for less fortunate children in the communities in which the donations were made.
To give the program a healthy launch each year, Mail Boxes Etc. Inc., franchisor of The UPS Store, donates $50,000, and The UPS Foundation provides a $100,000 grant. “Over the past four years, our franchisees and their customers have been the driving force of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program,” says Stuart Mathis, president of Mail Boxes Etc. Inc. “As locally owned businesses, we understand the importance of giving back to our communities.”
