HOUSTON, Aug. 2, 2019 – Mattress Firm donated $50,000 to help foster youth across the nation have access to books and other educational tools. This was done through book fair events, as well as school supply donations to partnering foster care nonprofits across the country.
Themed after the timeless Dr. Seuss book, the “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” family-friendly book fair events were hosted by Mattress Firm for foster youth in the Austin and Atlanta communities. The events, benefiting Austin Angels in Austin and Bloom Our Youth in Atlanta, gave more than 240 foster youth a backpack along with their own copy of the book and the opportunity to choose their new favorite bedtime stories and other fun school supply items, while enjoying free food, music and games.
“According to research, the average foster child moves schools at least once or twice a year and is estimated to lose four to six months of academic progress per move,” said David Onufer, Director of Internal Communications, Mattress Firm. “On top of that, foster children often do not have easy access to books. The Mattress Firm Foster Kids program gives us the opportunity to do our part to make a difference in these kids’ lives.”
Since 2016, and with the help of the Ticket to Dream Foundation, Mattress Firm has supported foster youth across the country through its Mattress Firm Foster Kids initiative. In early 2019, the Company relaunched the program to better align with the mission that a good night’s sleep can help foster kids, and all kids, be successful. Mattress Firm Foster Kids aims to bring a better night’s sleep to the youth who need it most through bed and monetary donations and three annual in-store donation drives collecting pajamas, bedtime books and bedtime toys for foster youth in communities nationwide.
“While most of us look forward to going to sleep each night, nighttime can be scary for foster youth as they go into a new home,” said Onufer. “Sleep is such an integral part of a child’s development and we want to make sure the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program gives foster youth what they need to find peace in sleep. Pajamas, bedtime toys and books are just some of the things that can provide comfort to help children get the quality sleep they deserve.”
With the help of Ticket to Dream, Mattress Firm partners with nonprofit foster care organizations across the country to ensure donations stay in the communities in which they were gifted. To learn more about Mattress Firm Foster Kids, upcoming drives and how to get involved, visit www.mattressfirmfosterkids.org.
About Mattress Firm
Since 1986, Mattress Firm has provided our customers with an expertly curated collection of quality mattresses from the best brands. Today, with more than 2,500 neighborhood stores, our experts help more than three million people a year find the right solution for their sleep needs at the best value. Our selection of mattresses and bedding accessories include leading brands such as Serta®, Simmons®, tulo™, Sleepys®, Chattam & Wells® and Purple. Committed to serving our communities, the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program, in partnership with the Ticket to Dream Foundation, hosts three collection drives a year in communities nationwide to help foster children get better sleep so they can shape a better future. For more information, visit www.mattressfirm.com.
About Ticket to Dream
The Ticket to Dream Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing hope and opportunity to foster children across the nation, so they can just be kids. Reaching over 170,000 foster kids, Ticket to Dream joins forces with companies, communities and hundreds of non-profit partners to ensure foster children have everyday essentials, access to extracurricular activities, fun childhood experiences, and support services that ensure future success into adulthood. For more information, please visit www.tickettodream.org.
Media Contact:
G’Nai Blakemore
gnai.blakemore@mfrm.com
346.718.5362
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(877) 259-8527