logoimageWelcome back,

As we continue to develop our partnership with McDonald’s I wanted to inform you of a couple new things we are learning along the way. They have a new and exciting program supporting our children’s literacy. As you can see below each of the franchise owners have a deep rooted commitment to distribute books in our communities. I hope you too can recognize what a great commitment this is on behalf of McDonald’s for all of our kids. In addition, I have been learning more about McTeacher’s night. I will cover that program in the next edition of the President’s Corner while highlighting our partnerships.

The following is a message from McDonald’s representatives:

The McDonald’s Owner Operators of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana are committed to families and education, and I’m excited to share with you that they have reached a significant milestone in support of their commitment. With the return of Happy Meal Books this February, McDonald’s reports that by the end of 2016 they will have distributed more than 50 million books to children through both sales and donations since the program began in 2013! This astounding number represents enough copies to provide a book to every child in America under the age of 12.

This infographic shares more information and some staggering facts about literacy – further facts about the importance of reading, lack of access to books in underserved neighborhoods and the value children place on reading with their family is also available should you be interested. As an organization comprised of – and supporting – families and educators, the Illinois PTA is keenly aware of the importance of literacy and the inequalities that exist and welcome the efforts of McDonald’s to help combat this issue.

With regards to the importance of child literacy and education overall, the Illinois PTA and McDonald’s Owners of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will continue to work to collectively leverage our resources and connect as many children and families to books, local programs and other valuable initiatives to improve their education. We know that our work is not done, and we look to our on-going partnership with McDonald’s to help Illinois teachers and families thrive.