FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2006 (New York) -- McDonald’s® New York Tri-State Area owners and operators have recently launched the eighth annual “Check It Out” reading program, which offers local children in grades K-4 incentives for reading books during the summer. As school ends for the summer, some children may prefer to sit in front of the TV, immerse themselves in video games or play outside, looking at reading as homework. These children who do not read in the summer can lose two to three months of reading skills. By taking advantage of reading initiatives offered during the summer, and participating in programs such as “Check It Out,” parents can help their children retain and build on the reading skills they acquired during their last school year. Hundreds of thousands of students via schools and libraries throughout the Tri-State Area are participating in “Check It Out” reading fun. “Reading needs to become a habit in order to be sustained,” said Pat Vasilik, children’s coordinator at the Clifton Public Library. “Reading initiatives like the ‘Check It Out’ Reading Program are an effective way to positively reinforce reading habits and make it a fun activity. This is very important during the summer where statistically children are not involved in reading activities as often as they are during the school year.” “Children’s education is a priority for our company,” said Paul Cottrell, president of the McDonald’s New York tri-state Owners/Operators Association. “We want to ensure that reading takes center stage during children’s most impressionable years.” This year, “Check It Out” provides children with the opportunity to become part of a winning team with a new sports theme. They can meet famous sports figures, visit a new country, fly a spaceship and much more without leaving the comfort of home. The booklet is filled with games, suggested books to read and tips to help parents develop their children’s reading skills. Kids in grades K-4 can participate in the “Check It Out” Reading Program by visiting their local library and asking an adult or librarian to help them fill out the McDonald’s “Check It Out” booklet with the titles of five books they have read during the summer. To redeem the free Happy Meal® via McDonald’s® “Check It Out” reading program, children are asked to be accompanied by an adult and bring in their signed booklet to participating McDonald’s anytime between June 30, 2006 and September 5, 2006. Children can substitute French fries and soda for Apple Dippers® and milk. An alternate prize can be obtained by following the instructions on the back of the booklet. The “Check It Out” reading program will also include a special “Ronald and Me” Reading Tour. On his tour, Ronald McDonald will appear at various Tri-State Area libraries bringing not just his enthusiasm for reading, but a ton of fun. To request a “Check It Out” reading booklet, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: McDonald’s “Check It Out” Reading Program, c/o MWW Group; One Meadowlands Plaza, 6th Floor, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. Limit two booklets per household. For more information on the “Check It Out” Reading Program and “Ronald and Me” Reading Tour please visit www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com. About McDonald’s NY/NJ/CT tri-state Restaurants: McDonald’s® is the world’s best-known brand and is the global leader in food service. There are more than 675 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by over 200 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area. Visit www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com for information about other McDonald’s® area programs. ### Stefanie Sgarbi Press Release 06/20/06 3:06 PM Eastern |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
