Miscellaneous Mentionables
I frequently receive email from companies asking me to share news or discounts with my readers. Each week I’ll gather the best requests and share them with you here.
TOYS FOR TOTS - HELPING FAMILIES READ TOGETHER
Many of us have fond childhood memories of being nestled under the covers of the bed as our mom or dad read a favorite story that took us to a magical place of discovery. Those bedtime stories created more than just fond memories; they were the foundation of our success in school.
Unfortunately, not all children are able to enjoy these experiences - far too many families can’t foster that love of reading and knowledge because they don’t have access to the resources they need, including books.
Helping to bring awareness to the issue of children’s literacy and reminds families of the importance of reading together The Toys for Tots Literacy Program offers the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively.
For more on this year-round initiative from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, please visit http://inr.mediaseed.tv/UPS_37213/. You can also find out more by visiting http://www.toysfortots.org./literacy/. Donations can also be made at participating The UPS Stores locations. For every dollar donated, a book will be placed into the hands of a less fortunate child in the local community.
IHOP’S FREE PANCAKE GIVEAWAY RETURNS FEB 23, 2010
GLENDALE, Calif. – December 14, 2009 – IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has announced plans to serve millions of free pancakes again next year in celebration of National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Planned as a celebration of friends, family and community, IHOP hopes the program will raise $1.75 million for Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, and other worthy local causes.
2010 will mark IHOP’s fifth year celebrating the national event and the company has set an ambitious goal to raise a cumulative $5 million for charity in the first five years of its free flapjack philanthropic effort. More than 1,400 IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will once again invite guests to enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on National Pancake Day. In return, IHOP guests are asked to donate what they would have paid for the free pancakes, or more, to the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their community, or another designated local cause.
“We are flipping for ‘five in five’ with our 2010 National Pancake Day campaign, and with our guests’ generous support, plan to reach our goal of $5 million in five years,” said Carolyn O’Keefe, IHOP’s senior vice president, marketing. “IHOP’s franchisees and guests have raised more than $3.25 million to support Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities since we started our National Pancake Day in 2006. The day has become a tradition for families and friends who wish to enjoy great food and great service while helping out a great cause.”
Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Balloons” will be sold for $1 and $5 each and will be personalized and displayed at participating IHOP restaurants from February 1 through February 23, 2010. Miracle Balloon sales offer guests another way to show their support of Children’s Miracle Network and contribute to the National Pancake Day fundraising effort.
In 2009, IHOP gave away three million pancakes and raised nearly $1.5 million in support of Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities, far exceeding its goal to raise $1 million. Since starting its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has given away more than 6.1 million free pancakes to benefit children’s charities –- that stacks up more than 53.5 miles high!
For more information about IHOP’s National Pancake Day, or to learn more about Children’s Miracle Network and make an online donation, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.
CBS EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES - $10,000 Sweepstakes from CBS Films
CBS Films’ upcoming film Extraordinary Measures, starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser, is inspired by the true story of John Crowley – a man who defied conventional wisdom and great odds to pursue a cure for his children’s life threatening disease.
To celebrate Crowley’s story, we’ve created a wonderful opportunity to get the word about a cause that is close to you, and also possibly win some money for them!
It’s so easy, all you have to do is upload an inspirational video.
· Go to the Inspirational Quilt and click on Upload Your Story (http://extraordinarymeasuresthemovie.com/#/quilt)
· Once your video is uploaded, you will be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to designate the charity of your choice to receive $10,000.
· Tell your friends to vote to increase your chances of winning.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Participants must be legal residents of 1 of the 50 US states or D.C., at least 18 years old or age of majority in state of residence or older at date of entry. Entries accepted until January 26, 2010. Void where prohibited by law.
VERIZON WIRELESS HOPELINE
The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program is happy to help consumers put some “green” into their holidays. Donating old cell phones, batteries and accessories to HopeLine not only helps keep the materials from potentially ending up in landfills, but also supports non-profit domestic violence prevention and awareness advocacy groups. So, if someone opens a new cell phone during the holidays and wants to put their old one to good use, is simply trying to be more environmentally conscious during the holiday clean-up or is looking for an easy way to assist someone in need, HopeLine can help. For more details please visit: www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
Filed Under: Announcements
Anything that helps children in need is good but anything that helps them read is even better.