School Supply Donations Lead to Successful Future for Foster Kids

    SEATTLE, WA, July 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Being equipped with the correct tools is always the first step to success, and for the 60,000 foster children throughout California, success in school is often tied to success as an adult. That's why Sleep Train (www.sleeptrain.com), California's number one mattress store, and number four nationwide, is holding its annual School Supply Drive for foster kids. With the right tools - pencils and pens, notebooks, crayons, protractors, rulers, and calculators - foster kids will be better able to face scholastic challenges and statistics that suggest they are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary and secondary school.*

Starting today, July 18th, through Monday, September 5th, community members and businesses are encouraged to bring donations of new school supplies to any Sleep Train store throughout California. The company delivers donations to its 19 non-profit foster organization partners who then distribute the supplies to foster families with school-age children.

"Foster children change schools frequently, and starting over means making new friends and learning to navigate a new environment," said Karen Alvord, LCSW, executive director at Lilliput Children's Services. "Receiving encouragement from their communities, teachers, foster parents and efforts like Sleep Train's Foster Kids program, helps foster children face these challenges with a little more confidence. And, having the right school supplies allows them keep up with their peers, focus on learning and fit in socially."

"The first day of school is a time of excitement and anxiety for every child - even those starting with the proper school supplies," said Terry Horsley, vice president of brand strategy for Sleep Train. "Our drive strives to provide foster children with the same first day experience as their peers. And it's easy to participate - just pick up a few new school supplies while shopping and choose from one of our more than 90 locations to donate your items. We also encourage companies and organizations to host their own drives, and bring collected items to their nearest Sleep Train, or if the donation is just too big, we can pick it up!"

For those unable to shop this year, but who still want to help can donate online to Sleep Train's School Supply drive. All donations will be used to purchase school supplies and donated with items collected during the drive to our foster organization partners. Sleep Train locations can be found online or by calling 1-800-378-BEDS. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

*According to 2009 statistical information provided by foster organization partner, Treehouse

About Sleep Train
Sleep Train Mattress Centers, an award winning, employee-owned company, is ranked the #1 bedding specialist on the West Coast. Sleep Train offers customers superior service by professional and knowledgeable sleep consultants and the best selection of famous brands, such as Simmons Beautyrest, Sealy Posturepedic, Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and the Vera Wang Collection by Serta, as well as premium adjustable beds, futons, and wood and metal accent beds at the guaranteed lowest prices. Sleep Train's award-winning Foster Kids program actively contributes to its community through ongoing donation drives that benefit the area's nearly 60,000 foster children. With more than 90 retail locations throughout California, Sleep Train is Your Ticket to a Better Night's Sleep . For more information, please visit www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS.

Media Contacts:
Revolution PR for Sleep Train
Aaron Hilst, (206) 355-3506, [email protected]
Shauna Nuckles, (208) 819-2859, [email protected]

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