The UPS Store today officially announced the company’s first-ever float in the 2017 Tournament of Roses® Parade. The float, “Books Bring Us Together”, brings to life the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, highlighting the importance of childhood literacy on a national stage. The float complements the 2017 Rose Parade® “Echoes of Success” theme as literacy is an essential ingredient to every child’s success.
The Toys for Tots® Literacy Program, developed by The UPS Store and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2008, provides books and educational resources to economically disadvantaged children in communities across the country. The program aims to enhance children’s ability to read and communicate effectively by igniting their imaginations through stories and tales.
“We’re proud of our partnership with Toys for Tots, and the Rose Parade is a perfect place to spotlight our mission to raise awareness of the importance of childhood literacy,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “Our participation in the Rose Parade allows us to celebrate the wonder and excitement books bring to the lives of children.”
The UPS Store’s float is expected to be tallest in this year’s parade at 42 feet high and weighing in at 18 tons. The float features animal friends – a mouse holding a book, a gigantic giraffe with reading glasses and the U.S. Marine Corps teddy bear – all reading together. More than 60,000 chrysanthemums in six different varieties decorate the float, along with thousands of carnations, roses, lilies and orchids in various bright colors. The float’s animation includes the giraffe turning his head side to side and wiggling his ears. The mouse and the teddy bear turn their heads as well, rocking side to side as the toy tops on the back end of the float spin.
The three bowties on the giraffe represent more than three million dollars The UPS Store has raised for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since the its inception. As the float glides down the parade route, massive hydraulic cylinders allow the 32-foot tower of books and 42-foot giraffe to lower to a height to pass under power lines and bridges for a safe, smooth ride.
“I fell in love with the Rose Parade when I was 9 years old and designed my first float at 13. The UPS Store's entry has exactly the kind of magic that appealed to me as a kid,” said Charles Meier, creative director of Paradiso Parade Floats. “It's the sort of float you'd want to hug if it weren't 42 feet tall, made out of steel and covered in floral glue. I'm delighted with it.”
As a result of monies raised by UPS and The UPS Store, the literacy program has distributed more than 36.8 million books to children across the United States. This year is no exception. The 4,500 plus locally owned and operated The UPS Store® locations nationwide, their franchisees and employees continue their fundraising through the end of the year by accepting monetary donations at check-out and encouraging book donations. Float riders include local franchisees from The UPS Store and their children.
Don’t miss The UPS Store float, “Books Bring Us Together,” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 8:00 a.m. PST.
The Toys for Tots® Literacy Program, developed by The UPS Store and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2008, provides books and educational resources to economically disadvantaged children in communities across the country. The program aims to enhance children’s ability to read and communicate effectively by igniting their imaginations through stories and tales.
“We’re proud of our partnership with Toys for Tots, and the Rose Parade is a perfect place to spotlight our mission to raise awareness of the importance of childhood literacy,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “Our participation in the Rose Parade allows us to celebrate the wonder and excitement books bring to the lives of children.”
The UPS Store’s float is expected to be tallest in this year’s parade at 42 feet high and weighing in at 18 tons. The float features animal friends – a mouse holding a book, a gigantic giraffe with reading glasses and the U.S. Marine Corps teddy bear – all reading together. More than 60,000 chrysanthemums in six different varieties decorate the float, along with thousands of carnations, roses, lilies and orchids in various bright colors. The float’s animation includes the giraffe turning his head side to side and wiggling his ears. The mouse and the teddy bear turn their heads as well, rocking side to side as the toy tops on the back end of the float spin.
The three bowties on the giraffe represent more than three million dollars The UPS Store has raised for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since the its inception. As the float glides down the parade route, massive hydraulic cylinders allow the 32-foot tower of books and 42-foot giraffe to lower to a height to pass under power lines and bridges for a safe, smooth ride.
“I fell in love with the Rose Parade when I was 9 years old and designed my first float at 13. The UPS Store's entry has exactly the kind of magic that appealed to me as a kid,” said Charles Meier, creative director of Paradiso Parade Floats. “It's the sort of float you'd want to hug if it weren't 42 feet tall, made out of steel and covered in floral glue. I'm delighted with it.”
As a result of monies raised by UPS and The UPS Store, the literacy program has distributed more than 36.8 million books to children across the United States. This year is no exception. The 4,500 plus locally owned and operated The UPS Store® locations nationwide, their franchisees and employees continue their fundraising through the end of the year by accepting monetary donations at check-out and encouraging book donations. Float riders include local franchisees from The UPS Store and their children.
Don’t miss The UPS Store float, “Books Bring Us Together,” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 8:00 a.m. PST.
