TOYS FOR TOTS LITERACY PROGRAM
While literacy can be an issue at any age, children are especially at risk. I support the Toys For Tots Literacy Program and I hope you will consider doing so as well. Literacy begins with access to great books and a message that reading is important. Give this gift to a child this year and click below to donate directly to the Toys For Tots Literacy Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Toys for Tots Literacy Program?
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is an initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. network. The mission of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is to offer our nation's most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively.
How does the Toys for Tots Literacy Program work?
Donations made to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program are used to buy books and other educational materials for local children in need. Toys for Tots works with various local agencies to identify children and organizations that will benefit from the program.
I thought Toys for Tots distributed toys to needy children during the holidays? Why the focus on literacy??
For more than 60 years, Toys for Tots has been bringing smiles to the faces of needy children through the gift of a new toy. While Toys for Tots is committed to this tradition and continues its toy program, it is extending its reach through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program by providing children in need with the tools that can help them break the cycle of poverty.
Why support literacy?
While getting a shiny new toy can certainly brighten a child's world, it doesn't provide long-lasting benefits or enable that child to break the cycle of poverty. The number of children living in poverty continues to increase. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, more than 14 million children live in poverty. Additionally, the Handbook of Early Literacy Research reveals that in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is one age-appropriate book for every 300 children and according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 33 % of all fourth graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level. There is a need in or near every community.
How can I support the Toys for Tots Literacy Program?
Every dollar donated helps buy a book! So for as little as $1, you can make a difference in the life of a needy child in your own community. In the spring participating The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations sell donation cards. Then, during November and December, participating locations once again sell donation cards. Additionally, participating locations have a coin box available year round for customers to donate their spare change. And don't forget to check with your local The UPS Store or Mail Boxes Etc. location for details on upcoming activities that you can support.
What age group does the Toys for Tots Literacy Program serve?
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is designed to benefit economically disadvantaged children from preschool through high school.
Will my donation reach children in my community?
Yes. Toys for Tots works to ensure donations benefit children in or near the community in which the money is raised. If an economic need does not exist in the immediate community, we will identify a neighboring area that has such a need.
Whom can I contact locally about this program?
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is administered by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and participating The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations nationwide. To support the program in your community, please contact your local UPS store location to see if they are supporting the program in your area.
How can I receive books for my organization or program?
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program distributes books and educational resources to children based on economic need. Toys for Tots works with its existing network of local agencies to identify children that will benefit from the program. Our primary distribution will be during the holiday season. If you are a non-profit organization that distributes books to economically disadvantaged children and seeks books as holiday gifts, please contact your local Toys for Tots coordinator.
Can I conduct a book drive for the program?
All book drive programs for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program must be approved by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. If you would like to donate books to the program, please contact your local store location to see if they are conducting a drive in your area. If they are conducting a book drive, you can drop off new, unwrapped children's books at that location.
Can I conduct a fundraiser to benefit the program?
All fundraising programs for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program must be approved by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Can I donate gently used books?
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program only accepts new, unwrapped children's books. Our goal is to deliver a message of hope and instil self-confidence to children in need. A gift of a new book is the best means of accomplishing this goal.