11.01.2005 ET

(CSRwire) SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2005--The UPS Store (NYSE:
UPS) and Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees today launched a nationwide campaign to raise $1 million for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. More than 4,300 locations will be selling $1 donation cards, now through Friday, Dec. 23. All proceeds will go to local Toys for Tots programs.

In addition, participating The UPS Store locations will be selling 1:43 scale, die-cast replicas of Dale Jarrett's #88 The UPS Store/Toys for Tots car, which he will race on Sunday, Nov. 6. The cars feature the special paint scheme developed for this campaign and sell for $9.95 (plus applicable tax), with a portion of the proceeds going to Toys for Tots.

"With the number of children living in low-income families continuing to rise, and the catastrophic impact of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, this year the need is greater than ever," said Marine Toys for Tots Foundation President and CEO Matthew T. Cooper, retired Lt. Gen. U.S.M.C. "We look at each toy as an opportunity to inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive and patriotic citizens and community leaders."

To help launch the campaign, franchisor Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. contributed the first $50,000 toward the campaign's $1 million goal.

"We have shipped millions of holiday packages over the past 25 years, but none as important as helping Toys for Tots deliver smiles to children across the country," said Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. President Stuart Mathis. "Given the critical need this year, our franchisees are united in their commitment to surpass our goal and benefit as many children as possible."

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, 17 percent (12 million) of our nation's children live below the federal poverty level. Of these children, more than 40 percent (5 million) live in families with incomes of less than half the poverty level.

It was facts like these that compelled NASCAR legend Dale Jarrett to join the effort. "A dollar doesn't seem like much these days," he said. "But when you think of all the love and joy it could help deliver, it suddenly feels like a million. We might not be able to eliminate poverty through this campaign, but maybe we can lessen its pain and increase awareness at the same time."

For Jarrett, support for the Toys for Tots campaign became a family affair. His three youngest children, Natalee (17), Karsyn (15) and Zachary (10) designed a special paint scheme for his #88 UPS Ford. The motif sports traditional holiday colors of red and green with hand-lettered elements and other designs to make it look as if children themselves had painted the car. To complete the effect, Jarrett will race in a matching bright green driving suit.

After Jarrett races the car on Nov. 6 at Texas Motor Speedway, his autographed driver's suit will be posted on eBay, with proceeds from the auction going to the Toys for Tots campaign. The posting, which will go live on Sunday, Nov. 13, will be facilitated by AuctionDrop, the first and only national eBay drop-off consignment service.

AuctionDrop also is donating its proceeds from this auction to Toys for Tots.

To support the Toys for Tots effort even further, many The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. centers will be working with local Toys for Tots coordinators to conduct in-center toy drives. For additional information, including centers conducting toy drives, visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.

About The UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc.

Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS company, franchises The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. retail locations. The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations together comprise the world's largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers, with more than 5,500 locations in more than 40 countries. In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc.

Outside the United States, locations are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees. For additional information, please visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.

About The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity is the authorized fund raising and support organization for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation provides the funding and support needed for successful annual toy collection and distribution campaigns. The foundation is located at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va., Local Marine Corps Reserve units and volunteer organizations collect and distribute toys in nearly 500 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Copyright Business Wire 2005

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