08 September 2021
The UPS Store, Inc. Celebrates the Return of the Annual Rose Parade® with "Rise, Shine & Read!" Float
National retail and services franchise makes its fifth appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade showcasing its support for children’s literacy
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 8, 2021 – The UPS Store, Inc. announces its participation as the Literacy Sponsor in the 133rd Annual Rose Parade®, the iconic New Year’s Day procession presented by Honda on Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif.
“We are so proud and thrilled to continue supporting The Toys for Tots Literacy Program® as the Rose Parade makes its strong return in 2022,” said Michelle Van Slyke, interim president of The UPS Store, Inc. “This program aims to ensure children have the tools and resources needed to succeed through the positive impact of literacy.”
Themed “Rise, Shine & Read!”, The UPS Store® float features a colorful, spectacled rooster sporting a plaid waistcoat and bow tie, standing atop a stack of books, and reading to his family of chicks. The whimsical animated design built by Fiesta Parade Floats celebrates the transformative effect literacy has on a child’s ability to succeed and highlights the network’s ongoing commitment to education through its Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The network’s 55-feet long, 18-feet wide and 35-feet tall float will glide through Pasadena, inspiring children to rise up and let themselves shine bright through the power of literacy.
"I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with The UPS Store once again and to help bring their vision to life,” said Charles Meier, float designer for Fiesta Parade Floats. “The 2022 entry features all the hallmarks of The UPS Store’s award-winning floats — exquisite floral design, vibrant color, state-of-the-art engineering — and, most importantly, an ongoing commitment to supporting literacy in the community.”
To further champion the network’s support for children’s literacy and in observance of International Literacy Day on September 8, The UPS Store also partnered with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® to donate and distribute 14,000 books to 7,000 Pasadena Unified School District elementary students – a donation that will put two books in the hands of every elementary student.
The national franchise’s parade appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade is the culmination of the annual donation efforts to support The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, created by The UPS Store, Inc. and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Through its 5,000 plus locations in communities throughout the country, The UPS Store network has collected more than $7.3 million and distributed 44 million books to help children thrive since The Toys for Tots Literacy Program began in 2008. Each locally owned and operated The UPS Store location is fundamental to the success of the program and will collect donations through the end of the year.
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues to help fill a vital need in the United States, as childhood literacy disparities between socioeconomic groups persist. Access to books and frequency of reading, both in and outside the home, is critical to a child’s reading proficiency that is needed for academic success.
About The UPS Store
With more than 5,000 locations across North America, The UPS Store® network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of conveniently located retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store® locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com.
For information on The UPS Store franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit theupsstorefranchise.com. Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore.
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