Toys For Tots Literacy Program Helps Disadvantaged Children Break The Cycle Of Poverty
Legislative Column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua)
Last month, I encouraged constituents to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
Program by donating a new, unwrapped toy to a child in need. This program, which I am again
sponsoring and promoting, helps to put smiles on the faces of America's disadvantaged children
during the holiday season. For the past few years, it has been my honor to support this noble
initiative throughout our community.
If you'd like to participate, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of the following drop-off
locations: Arby's Restaurant, 280 Hamilton Street, Geneva; the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce,
113 S. Main Street, Canandaigua; the Seneca County Chamber, 2020 Seneca Falls-Waterloo Road, Seneca
Falls; the Canandaigua VA, 400 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua; or my district office located at 607
W. Washington Street, Geneva. Donations will be accepted between now and Tuesday, December 15.
Without question, your generous gift will help make a local girl or boy's holiday season happier.
In addition to filling a child's stocking with a new toy, we need to fill their minds and fuel
their imaginations with the gift of literacy. Literacy can spell the difference between a lifetime
of poverty and a brighter future. That's why I'm also supporting the Toys for Tots Literacy
Program, which allows indigent children to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with the
tools to compete academically and communicate effectively. In short, this year-round program
provides children in need with books to enhance their ability to read, study and analyze.
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program was created in March, 2008 by the UPS Store and Mailboxes Etc.
Their goal is to "deliver a message of hope and instill self-confidence to children in need."
Since its inception, nearly 900,000 books have been delivered to hundreds of thousands of less
fortunate children across the country.
The number of American children living in poverty continues to increase. In fact, the National
Center for Children in Poverty reports that there are currently more than 13 million disadvantaged
children living in the United States. In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is
one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. The National Center for Educational Statistics
reveals that 33 percent of all fourth graders in this country cannot read at the most basic level.
That is a tragedy, plain and simple. But it is a tragedy we can do something about!
Each and every community can benefit from the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. Donations of cash or
new, unwrapped children's books can be made at The UPS Store, Mailboxes Etc. or online.
Primary distribution of books and other educational materials takes place during the holiday season
to children from preschool through high school. Just one dollar donated buys a brand new book for a
child who would otherwise go without.
Please join me in supporting the Toys for Tots Literacy Program this holiday season and throughout
the year. As an Assemblyman, father and grandfather, I know how important it is to bring the joys
of reading to our children. Literacy and a brighter future: it's one of the most precious gifts we
can give.
As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter, should
contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at
kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.
