Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's oldest and largest children and families' literacy nonprofit organization, today announced a new national strategic partnership with Oriental Trading Company (OTC), the nation's largest direct marketer of party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties and a leading direct marketer of home décor products.

The strategic partnership will provide tools to thousands of local RIF volunteers and coordinators to assist with creating themed free book distribution events in local markets across the country. RIF provides 15 million free books to children at hundreds of events each year. The first-ever motivational activity partnership for RIF will provide exclusive discounts and special offers from Oriental Trading Company to RIF volunteers, as well as the donation of in-kind materials. The partnership will also provide the opportunity for RIF volunteers to win a $500 gift certificate from OTC to use for supplies and materials for future book distribution events as part of a new "Dream RIF Giveaway" contest.

"RIF is thrilled to announce our new strategic partnership with Oriental Trading Company as we work together to help motivate young children to discover the joy of reading," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "Oriental Trading Company helps make the world more fun and we look forward to the positive impact that they will help RIF continue to achieve as we support literacy and improve the lives of children in our local communities."

"Oriental Trading Company's national strategic partnership with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) illustrates our commitment to classroom creativity and hands on learning. Both RIF and Oriental Trading believe that "fun" is an integral part of education," said Sam Taylor, chief executive officer, Oriental Trading Company. "As the first Motivational Activity Partner and a Literacy Steward for RIF, we will empower the RIF coordinators and volunteers to create crafts and activities that bring books to life for children. We believe that literacy and the joy of reading strengthens both individuals and local communities," he added.

About Oriental Trading Company
Oriental Trading Company is the nation's largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of school supplies and affordable home décor and giftware. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Catalog Companies, Oriental Trading Company employs approximately 2,000 employees and offers more than 30,000 products to individuals, teachers, schools, churches, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. From pink flamingos, party supplies and grass skirts to holiday decorations, scrapbooking supplies, and crafts, Oriental Trading Company makes the world more fun! www.orientaltrading.com

About RIF
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

Discover the joy!

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

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