Marine Toys for Tots and Scholastic Expand Book Access for Disadvantaged Children

As the school year begins, the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program is continuing its Operation Turn the Page initiative throughout September, aiming to put books in the hands of children in low-income communities nationwide. The program, rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream, highlights the life-changing impact of reaching children who may otherwise have few or no books to call their own. For many of these children, a single book can spark a love of reading, build confidence, and open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, has been a valued partner of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since 1998. Together, they have provided books to millions of students, teachers, and families nationwide. This partnership is about more than just giving children stories to read; it is about 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 is its support of Title I funded schools. Through collaborative efforts, 146 Title I funded schools have received book donations so far in 2026, resulting in the distribution of 79,070 books to students and classrooms. For many children, these books represent far more than stories on a page. They provide opportunities to explore new worlds, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning that can influence the trajectory of their education and future success.

Scholastic’s support has also enabled the Toys for Tots Literacy Program to partner with the Kids In Need Foundation. This year, the effort has supported 3,800 teachers in Portland, Oregon; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Wichita, Kansas; and Little Canada, Minnesota. By providing 4,021 educational resources, including 2,100 books and 1,921 teacher supplies, the organizations are helping educators create engaging learning environments where students can thrive. These resources empower teachers to focus on what matters most: inspiring a love of reading and helping every child reach their potential.

The program has also supported projects designed to meet unique community needs. At Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, the organizations provided 250 books to students, expanding access to educational resources and supporting academic achievement. In Tucson, Arizona, 210 books were distributed through a partnership with the Tucson Police Department, demonstrating how literacy can strengthen community connections and bring people together around a shared commitment to helping children succeed.

“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. “When a child turns the page of a book, they also turn the page toward new possibilities in life.”

The continued success of these initiatives and the partnership between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic are testaments to what can be achieved when organizations unite around a common purpose. Together, they 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, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/literacy-program.