While known for giving toys to under-privileged children during the holidays, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is teaming up with The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations nationwide to provide books to needy children this holiday season through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

Launched in March of this year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is a year-round initiative offering 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.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 12.8 million children are living in poverty," said LtGen. Pete Osman, USMC (ret), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "One of the keys to unlocking the door to a brighter and more prosperous future for these children is a good education. With the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, we are able to extend our reach and impact in a very meaningful way by giving the gift of hope and helping to break the cycle of poverty."

Through Wednesday, Dec. 31, participating The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are selling $1 donation cards to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Every $1 donation will help the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation buy a book for a deserving child.

"As the exclusive sponsor of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, we have the opportunity to bring awareness to the issue of children's literacy year round," said Stuart Mathis, president of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE). "Even though a dollar doesn't seem like much, with each dollar donation the literacy program can deliver a book to a child in need and instill in them a passion for reading."

Since March, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. network has collectively contributed more than $300,000 to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program through a variety of activities, including in-center donation card campaigns, coin box collections, special events and sponsorships.

MBE and its brands, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc., are the exclusive sponsors of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Since 2005, the network has teamed up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, donating more than $1.5 million to brighten the lives of thousands of children nationwide.