Carpet One Continues Support for Toys for Tots

Manchester, NH, November 21, 2005--As video games, television and the Internet become more and more popular among young children, teaching kids to read and enjoy literature is increasingly important. Carpet One has been supporting children’s literacy and education for the past ten years through community relations programs, like the Magic Carpet Time Tour, and a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. This holiday season, Carpet One will support the Toys for Tots Foundation for the eighth consecutive year. The floorcovering leader will make a corporate donation to the Toys for Tots Foundation, while Carpet One stores nationwide will donate thousands of books to children in need. Carpet One’s support of children’s literacy programs has helped bring more than 340,000 books to deserving children. Carpet One’s Toys for Tots program provides books to children who otherwise may never have the opportunity to own their own book or discover how much fun reading can be. Studies have shown that children who read often, generally do better in their other subjects, like math, geography, science and music. Similarly, those who fall behind their classmates at an early age generally stay behind. Carpet One and its retail stores nationwide support Toys for Tots as part of their ongoing commitment to their local communities and children’s literacy. Last year, Carpet One stores made a difference for children in their communities by donating thousands of books. Carpet One hopes to continue their support, both corporately and locally, for many years to come. “As a parent, I know how important it is for kids today to learn to enjoy reading at an early age,” said Evan Hackel, President of Carpet One. “This is a wonderful cause that I’m happy to be able to support. I’m proud that our members recognize the importance of children’s literacy and are supporting the cause in their local communities.” Founded in 1947, the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation has created a holiday tradition that has brought joy to countless children. In 2004, the U.S. Marine Corps was able to distribute more than 19 million toys to more than 7.5 million of our nation’s children.