AAF Will Hold Book Drive to Promote Childhood Literacy Nationwide

September 25, 2008, WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the spirit of its commitment to education, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) will hold a nationwide book drive to promote literacy among disadvantaged children and youth. The drive will be held in conjunction with the Books for Kids Foundation. The new public service project demonstrates the advertising industry's comprehensive understanding of corporate responsibility and the value and vital importance of education.

"I am pleased to announce this new public service project with the Books for Kids Foundation," said Wally Snyder, AAF president and CEO. "In this effort to promote literacy, the advertising industry is making a tangible difference in our communities across the country, giving children access to books at an early age and providing a foundation for successes later in life."

The Books for Kids Foundation provides books, creates children's libraries in underserved locations and participates in reading initiatives with community-based organizations. The majority of the organizations who receive books are public schools or day-care facilities, homeless shelters, after-school programs and community centers. Book donations will target nonprofit community-based organizations located across the country and in the AAF's 15 geographic districts.

The AAF is asking all of its college chapters, club members and corporate members to donate new children's books in the category of Kindergarten through Third Grade. Books in Spanish are also encouraged. Donations will be accepted from individuals, clubs, student chapters and corporate members, with an overall goal of 5,000 new books. The book drive will occur over a three-week time period from October 27, 2008, to November 18, 2008. The AAF will recognize the college chapters, clubs and corporate member organizations with the greatest participation at the AAF National Conference 2009 in Washington, D.C.

The AAF is partnering with FedEx to make shipping more cost-effective. In order to facilitate the shipment of book donations to Books for Kids headquarters, FedEx is offering all book drive participants up to a 20 percent discount on all FedEx Express® and Ground® Services.

For more information on how to participate in the book drive, go to www.aaf.org/books, or contact Anna Grbenick at agrbenick@aaf.org, or (202) 898-0089.