International Paper and Coaching for Literacy Team Up to Celebration International Literacy Day
International Paper and Coaching for Literacy Team Up to Celebrate International Literacy Day
Duo to support Fight for Literacy Games during the 2017-2018 NCAA basketball season
Memphis, Tenn. (Sept. 8, 2017) – In celebration of International Literacy Day, International Paper and Coaching for Literacy announced they are working together to support the Fight for Literacy Games initiative benefiting school children from kindergarten to 3rd grade. The Fight for Literacy Games empower NCAA basketball coaches, their teams and fans to participate in literacy awareness efforts, volunteer work and fundraising activities. International Paper is the presenting sponsor of Coaching for Literacy's Fight for Literacy Games with Louisiana State University (LSU) and University of Memphis men's basketball teams during the 2017-2018 NCAA basketball season.
“We mobilize our people, products and resources to address critical needs in the communities where our employees live and work,” said James McDonald, International Paper’s director of global citizenship. “Teaming up with Coaching for Literacy allows us to make an impact by creating awareness and providing support to effective, local literacy programs.”
International Paper’s sponsorship of the Fight for Literacy Game with the University of Memphis men’s basketball program will benefit Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR). Funding will help MTR Camp in the summer of 2018. MTR Camp is an effort to reduce summer learning regression for elementary school children.
“More than half of the achievement gap between students of different socioeconomic statuses is explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities,” said Candice Obadina, MTR Summer Camp director. “We are thankful for the involvement of International Paper in our effort to create brighter futures for children in Memphis.”
International Paper’s sponsorship of the Fight for Literacy Game with the LSU men’s basketball program will provide grade appropriate books and materials to three organizations: Fairview-Alpha Elementary School (Campti, La.), Mansfield Elementary School (Mansfield, La.) and Central Elementary School (Bogalusa, La.).
“Grade-level content is crucial to improve literacy skills among our young students,” said Brooke Williams, principal of Fairview-Alpha Elementary School. “International Paper and Coaching for Literacy are making an incredible impact in our community.”
ABOUT COACHING FOR LITERACY
Thanks to the support of sports teams and generous donors, Coaching for Literacy has funded over 50 literacy projects across 20 communities in 11 states directly impacting 8,000 children. The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to use the power of sports to raise awareness about the problem of illiteracy and generate financial support for literacy programs nationwide. To learn more about how you can make a difference for literacy efforts in your community, visit www.coachingforliteracy.org.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL PAPER
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce;; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness;; papers that facilitate education and communication;; and paper bags, cups and food containers that provide convenience and portability. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., and employ approximately 55,000 colleagues located in more than 24 countries. Net sales for 2016 were $21 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.
Media Contacts
Coaching for Literacy
Ryan Viner
ryan@coachingforliteracy.org
(205) 999-7787
International Paper
Cynthia Godby
Cynthia.Godby@ipaper.com
(901) 419-4326
Kalisa H. Hyman
Kalisa.Hyman@ipaper.com
(985) 732-8584
