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Starbucks joins hands with Egleston to provide books

As kids around the country head back to school, local Starbucks Coffee Company locations are

providing opportunities for customers to give kids

the tools they need to read and succeed. The All

Books for Children book drive will give new and

used books to local schools and literacy

organizations across North America. All books collected in

the Atlanta region will be donated to Egleston

Children's Hospital Reach Out and read program.

"Reading is a fundamental requirement for

success in our society," said Marla Loftus,

Starbucks Southeast regional marketing manager. "All

Books for Children is a great opportunity for all of us

to help the deserving children in our communities."

Customers are encouraged to bring new or gently used children's books, appropriate for children up

to age 5, to any Starbucks through today.

Starbucks will then donate the books to Egleston.

"The need for children to have access to books

is greater today than ever," said Ellen Fernand,

coordinator of the hospital's program. "We are

pleased that Starbucks has recognized this need and is

working with their customers to help us do

something about it. Every single book we receive will reach

the right children to make a significant impact."

Reach Out and read is designed to promote an interest in reading and books among children

between the ages of six months and five years old. Volunteers share books with children in the

waiting rooms while physicians discuss the importance

of reading with their parents or caregivers.

This fall, the program will support many

different literacy organizations in local communities

with critical needs.

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