Toys for Tots Literacy Program - The Toys for Tots Foundation began a new chapter in the organization's charitable efforts with the start of a year-round literacy program. To kick-off the program in Pittsburgh, PA, Charlie Batch read one of his favorite childhood books to local children at the Carnegie Pittsburgh Library in Homewood, PA on March 11, 2008. Charlie was joined by his mother, a franchisee from the UPS Store, the sponsor of the program, as well as other supporters to discuss the importance of literacy and this new initiative.
The mission of the Tots for Tots Literacy Program is to offer children in need direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read, communicate effectively, and succeed in life. Pittsburgh area residents can make cash donations at participating UPS Store locations. All the money collected in Pittsburgh will be used to purchase books and other educational materials for Pittsburgh families, schools, libraries, and community centers. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout the year with participating locations hosting a variety of community events.
Donations can also be made online anytime at www.toysfortotsliteracy.org. Please visit the web site for additional information on the program and upcoming events.
NCJW BatchPacks for Kids - Last fall, Charlie Batch and the National Center for Jewish Women took 350 students school supply shopping to get them ready for the new school year. Charlie, along with a handful of his Steelers' teammates, and the NCJW distributed "NCJW BatchPacks" at Barrett Elementary School on September 4, 2007.
The students at Barrett Elementary were also in the spirit of giving back to the community by donating their old backpacks to help others in need. All supplies were generously donated by Target of Homestead, Homestead Borough, Costco Wholesale of W. Homestead, Touch of Grey T's and NCJW Pittsburgh Section. Read! 365, a program of Beginning with Books, also donated books to give every student.
NCJW is known for their award winning project called Pic-A-Bag. Pic-A-Bag provides to children in need a new duffle bag filled with necessary items such as toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, as well as T-shirts, coloring books or activity books, a box of crayons and a stuffed animal.
Architecture Building Communities - Carnegie Mellon University teamed up with the Best of teh Batch Foundation to develop a free program offering students the opportunity to design an architectural project for a vacant property in Homestead, PA. With full participation in the program, students are eligible to apply for a need-based full-tuition scholarship worth $4,185 to the Pre-College Architecture program at CMU.
Best of the Batch Club - Students in grades K-5 must demonstrate excellence in: school work, attendance, behavior, and extra-curricular activities during selected months out of the school year. Students are then rewarded by attending a special field trip with Charlie.
Batch and Me - On-going speaker series program that focuses on motivating student athletes to excel both athletically and academically.
Summer Reading Program - In partnership with the Carnegie library of Homstead, neighborhood kids are encouraged
to read throughout the summer.
Tutoring Program - Students in need of educational assistance can team up with qualified teachers and mentors for
personal instruction.
Field Trips - Designed to expose students to culture, education, nature, careers, and history.
Scholarships - Winners of essay competitions for graduating seniors will have an opportunity to receive scholarships for continuing education.
