Carpet One to Host Elections for School Makeovers

Manchester, NH, July 2--School principals, teachers, parents and students across North America are gearing up for local "elections" to determine which lucky public elementary schools will receive complimentary library or media center makeovers. It's all part of a new grassroots community relations campaign called "Carpet One Makes A Difference." "With nearly 800 stores participating in this campaign, Carpet One has the influence and power to truly make a difference in local communities and in society at large," said Carpet One Co-Chief Operating Officer Dean Marcarelli. "We hope to create a better reading and learning environment for our children in every community." The campaign kicks off this month with local elections for communities to vote for the school library or media center that they want to receive a makeover. From July 1-31, 2004, voting ballots will be featured in participating Carpet One stores. All local public elementary schools are eligible. Winning schools will be announced in September, just in time for back-to-school season. On October 23, which is officially "Make A Difference Day," elementary school libraries or media centers across North America will receive complimentary makeovers courtesy of their local Carpet One store. This marks the first time that Carpet One will be participating in "Make A Difference Day," the largest national day of community service. Established and supported by USA Weekend magazine, "Make A Difference Day" is an annual celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Last year, three million volunteers participated with local community efforts. In 2004, Carpet One is leveraging its broad reach and influence to heighten the impact of "Make A Difference Day" with its proprietary volunteer effort. "This campaign is the first of its kind supporting 'Make A Difference Day' in our program's 14-year history," said Pam Brown, USA Weekend Senior Editor for "Make A Difference Day." "We are thrilled to have Carpet One on-board this year supporting its local community in this way," she added. "'Carpet One Makes a Difference' is an opportunity for our stores to donate their time, skill and spirit to their communities, while building strong relationships with their customers, neighbors and employees," said Marcarelli. "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting campaign." To find out more about "Make A Difference Day," visit www.usaweekend.com/diffday. For local information on "Carpet One Makes A Difference" voting, winning schools, makeovers, etc., visit www.carpetone.com.