The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page initiative continues throughout September, placing books in the hands of children in low-income communities nationwide. The program is built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream, and it highlights the transformative impact of providing books to children who might otherwise have few or none. For these children, a single book can ignite a love of reading, build confidence, and open doors to opportunities beyond the classroom.
Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, has been a key partner of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since 1998, helping to provide books to millions of students, teachers, and families across the country. Together, the organizations are doing more than distributing stories—they are fostering imagination, building reading confidence, and creating lasting opportunities for young readers.
A prime example of this partnership’s impact is its support of Title I funded schools. Through collaborative efforts in 2026, 146 Title I schools have received book donations, resulting in the distribution of 79,070 books to students and classrooms. These books offer children the chance to explore new worlds, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning that can shape their educational journey 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 allow teachers to focus on inspiring a love of reading and helping every child reach their potential.
The partnership has also addressed unique community needs. At Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, 250 books were provided to students, expanding access to educational resources and supporting academic achievement. In Tucson, Arizona, 210 books were distributed through a collaboration with the Tucson Police Department, demonstrating how literacy can strengthen community ties and unite people around a shared commitment to children’s success.
“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 ongoing success of these initiatives underscores what can be achieved when organizations unite for 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.
