Marine Toys for Tots and Scholastic Are Expanding Access to Books for Children in Need

TRIANGLE, VA, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As the Marine Toys for TotsLiteracy Program’s Operation Turn the Page initiative continues throughout September, the Program is shining a spotlight on a partnership that is helping put thousands of books and educational resources into the hands of children who need them most.

Helping turn that mission into reality is Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, a valued partner since 1998, whose unwavering commitment to literacy has helped the Toys for Tots Literacy Program reach millions of students, teachers, and families nationwide. Together, Toys for Tots and Scholastic are giving children more than stories to read. They are opening doors to imagination, building confidence in young readers, and creating opportunities that can last a lifetime.

One of the most impactful examples of this partnership can be seen in its support of Title I funded schools. where the partnership is helping address the critical need for access to books. Through collaborative efforts between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic, 146 Title I funded schools have received book donations so far in 2026, distributing 79,070 books to students and classrooms.

For many children, these books represent an opportunity to explore new worlds, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning that can influence the trajectory of their education and future success.

Through Scholastic’s support, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has also partnered with the Kids In Need Foundation to support 3,800 teachers this year in Portland, Oregon; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Wichita, Kansas; and Little Canada, Minnesota. Together, the organizations provided 4,021 educational resources, including 2,100 books and 1,921 teacher supplies, helping educators create engaging learning environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Beyond these large-scale initiatives, the partnership also collaborates on projects that are tailored to the needs of individual communities. At Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, 250 books were provided to students, expanding access to educational resources and supporting academic achievement. In another community-focused effort, 210 books were distributed through a partnership with the Tucson Police Department, demonstrating how literacy can build stronger connections between children, families, educators, and their communities.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the power of a book, and our partnership with Scholastic is helping make that possible for thousands of children across the Nation,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Together, we are doing far more than distributing books. We are expanding access to literacy in underserved communities, supporting educators, and creating opportunities that can shape a child’s future. When a child turns the page of a book, they also turn the page toward new possibilities in life.”

The continued success of the partnership demonstrates what is possible when organizations unite around a common purpose. Behind every book distributed is a child discovering a new possibility, a teacher gaining another tool to inspire learning, and a family building a stronger foundation for the future.
Together, the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic are helping disadvantaged children across America Turn the Page Toward Opportunity—one book, one child, and one future at a time.

To learn more about the Toys for Tots Literacy Program or to donate, please visit toysfortots.org/programs/literacy-program.

Ted Silvester
Marine Toys for Tots
+1 (703) 649-2021
Ted.Silvester@toysfortots.org

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