WASHINGTON, July 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Macy's
and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) are excited to announce that more
than half a million books will be distributed to children in
underserved communities across America as a result of the 2015 Be
Book Smart campaign. The campaign was held in Macy's stores
nationwide from June 21 through July
12 and gave customers the opportunity to make a difference
for children in their communities who lack access to books. This
year's campaign will result in the donation of nearly 580,000
books, and brings the total funds raised by Macy's for 12 years to
$33 million.
The efforts of Macy's and their customers to raise funds for
books is important as millions of children in the United States do not have access to books.
This is especially true during the summer months when schools are
closed. Without books to read, children from economically
disadvantaged communities are at risk to lose reading skills over
the summer, which contributes to a learning gap. By giving children
the opportunity to own a book, the Be Book Smart campaign helps
children discover the joys of reading.
"We are proud to support Reading Is Fundamental's work to
inspire children with the joy of reading all year long, especially
during the summer months," said Martine
Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "The Macy's Be Book
Smart campaign shows that we can make a meaningful difference in
those communities who are most in need of books."
For 12 years, Macy's has partnered with RIF, the nation's
largest children's literacy organization. To date, more than 11
million books have been distributed to children who need them most.
Through Be Book Smart, Macy's customers donated $3 to give books to children in need in local
communities, and Macy's contributed 100 percent of the funds raised
to RIF.
As part of the campaign, Macy's and RIF released lists of
children's favorite books to inspire young readers and help provide
parents with an easy reference reading guide for their kids over
the summer. The lists include books and fun activities from
RIF's Multicultural Book Collection, which is funded in part by
Macy's.
"We are extremely grateful for the continued support and
commitment of Macy's, as well as its dedicated associates and
generous customers," noted Carol H.
Rasco, president and CEO, Reading Is Fundamental. "Thanks to
our partnership, millions of children who may not have access to
books, especially at home, can now have the opportunity to
experience the magic and power that books provide."
Through customer supported fundraising campaigns, in-store
events and volunteer activities, Macy's has helped RIF further its
important mission to prepare and motivate children and young people
to read.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of
Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to
customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and
more than 100 international destinations through its leading online
store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and
social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including
the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him,
her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of
July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as
spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and
celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores including Herald
Square in New York City, Union
Square in San Francisco, State
Street in Chicago, Dadeland in
Miami and South Coast Plaza in
southern California are known
internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on
a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of
customers and employees, Macy's helps strengthen communities by
supporting local and national charities giving more than
$70 million each year to help make a
difference in the lives of our customers.
For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit
our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom
About Reading Is Fundamental® (RIF)
Reading Is
Fundamental delivers free books and literacy resources to children
and families in economically disadvantaged communities in
the United States. By giving
children the opportunity to own a book, RIF inspires them to become
lifelong readers and achieve their full potential. RIF is leading
the way to help minimize the summer learning slide through Read for
Success, a proven program model aimed at early elementary students
to reduce summer reading loss and improve literacy proficiency all
year long. As the nation's largest children's literacy nonprofit,
RIF has placed 412 million books in the hands of more than 40
million children since it was established in 1966. To learn more
and help provide books to kids who need them most, visit
www.RIF.org.
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SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental