Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) today announces the fourth annual All Books for Children book drive and continues its support of literacy. Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and chief global strategist, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, chairman and ceo of Johnson Development Corporation, will participate in the national book drive kickoff event today at the 47th & Cicero Starbucks location in Chicago, Illinois.

“Developing solid reading skills is fundamental to a child’s future success,” says Schultz. “The All Books for Children book drive encourages kids to read and has made a difference in the lives of deserving children. Since the program began three years ago, more than half a million books have been distributed to kids.”

“I know firsthand what can happen when a kid in need receives a helping hand,” says Johnson. “I support Starbucks All Books for Children book drive because it leads children in the right direction for accomplishing great feats in life.”

This year, Starbucks is pleased to be working with United Parcel Service (UPS) as its national partner for the All Books for Children book drive. UPS will collect donated books from Starbucks Coffee retail locations across North America and distribute them to designated schools and literacy programs free of charge.

“UPS has supported the All Books for Children book drive on a regional level since the program’s inception,” said Mike Wiley, Vice President of National Accounts, UPS. “We want to continue to show our support of such a worthwhile cause on a national basis.”

Starting today and continuing through the beginning of October, customers can participate in the All Books for Children book drive by visiting Starbucks Coffee retail locations in the U.S. and Canada and donating new or gently used books. More than 100 local community organizations with critical needs will benefit from the book donations. Starbucks will work closely with these organizations to ensure that books are distributed in the same communities where they were donated. In the Chicago market, Starbucks will provide book donations to Literacy Chicago, the largest adult and family literacy organization in the Midwest. Literacy Chicago provides Adult Literacy and English as a Second Language instruction, GED preparation, Workforce and Family Literacy and coordinates the city-wide Reach Out and Read program for children.

All Books for Children celebrates its fourth year of raising much-needed books for children across North America. Over the past three years, All Books for Children has collected more than half a million books and distributed them to kids through local schools and literacy organizations. Starbucks Coffee Company’s goal, through the work of its partners (employees) and The Starbucks Foundation, is to create hope and opportunity in communities where Starbucks partners and customers live and work. The All Books for Children book drive provides an opportunity for Starbucks to accomplish this goal.

UPS is the world’s largest express carrier and largest package delivery company, serving more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the company is located on the Web at www.ups.com.

JDC, a company formed in 1994 by Johnson, is comprised of five separate companies, each functioning independently to serve as a business stimulus, foster local economic growth and create financial empowerment in long neglected minority urban and suburban neighborhoods. JDC develops entertainment complexes, restaurants and retail centers. The development projects provide jobs and employ local minority contractors in the communities in which they operate.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East, Starbucks sells coffee and tea products through its specialty operations, including its online store at Starbucks.com. Additionally Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino® coffee drink and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships and offers a line of innovative premium teas produced by its wholly owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Company.

Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Corporation

It's the way we do business Contributing positively to our communities and environment is so important to Starbucks that it's a guiding principle of our mission statement. We jointly fulfill this commitment with partners (employees), at all levels of the company, by getting involved together to help build stronger communities and conserve natural resources.

More from Starbucks Corporation