Courtesy photo Tara Weaver, Delta-Schoolcraft Great Start Collaborative, accepts a book donation at the UPS Store in Escanaba.

ESCANABA — In an effort to help deliver the gift of reading to less fortunate children in the United States, The UPS Store located at 2425 Ludington Street supports the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of The UPS Store Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Together, UPS® and The UPS Store network have collected nearly $7.3 million and distributed more than 44 million books to the most economically disadvantaged children across the nation.

The UPS Store locations collect donations year-round to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to support local children and literacy programs. Every dollar helps put a book in the hands of a child in need, and thanks to the generosity of the Delta County community, The UPS Store in Escanaba delivered over $900 worth of books to local children through the Delta-Schoolcraft Great Start Collaborative.

“The community’s participation in the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is a key component to the success of this promotion,” said The UPS Store franchisees Keith and Susie Lynch. “This program provides us the unique opportunity to work with a nationally-recognized organization yet make an impact in our community, which is only possible because of thoughtful contributions from the people in this city.” The Delta Schoolcraft Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalitions hold events and activities throughout the year where they will distribute the books to young children. “Reading helps young children build literacy and language skills so children enter school with a love of books and ready to learn,” said Tara Weaver, Director of the Collaborative. “We are grateful to the UPS Store and the contributing members in our community for the donation of books.”