Dollar General Literacy Foundation Gives $500,000 in Support of Family Literacy

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation strengthens its commitment to education and literacy opportunities for the entire family by donating $500,000 to Volunteer USA. The funds will be used to advance family literacy programs in communities throughout Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is dedicated to breaking the cycle of illiteracy,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “By supporting community-based family literacy programs, we hope to open doors for parents and children, putting educational success within reach for people of all ages.”

The Literacy Foundation’s grant is being matched by a $500,000 donation from the Barbara Bush Foundation. The matching grants will ensure that small, community-based organizations will be able to continue to offer family literacy programs for those in need.

“The heart of our family literacy movement beats within our academies,” said Liza McFadden, Volunteer USA president. “These are the places where moms, dads and young children can go as a family to learn. With the continued support of Dollar General, more and more families will have the opportunity to create a better life because of the caring teachers and classes we offer ranging from adult literacy, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, preschool education and parenting skills.”

Dollar General supports literacy programs in the communities it serves throughout its 35-state market. With approximately 1,400 stores in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, this grant will provide local literacy services.

Since its founding, Dollar General has been committed to supporting literacy and education. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is dedicated to improving the functional literacy of adults, families and youth by providing grants to nonprofit organizations working to advance literacy. To learn more about Dollar General’s literacy initiatives and available grants, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

About Dollar General

Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,800 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores provide convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 2.1 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

About Volunteer USA Foundation

The mission of Volunteer USA – a nonprofit organization – is to inspire a spirit of volunteerism to make communities stronger. We empower families, nonprofits, and schools through innovative and easy-to-implement programs and products. Founded in 2007, Volunteer USA works with sponsors and partners to support a wide range of educational programs from family literacy, youth mentoring and parenting workshops. We also manage efforts to recruit “green” volunteers and train teens so they can help their neighbors and communities in times of disaster. Our passion is to improve the lives and futures of families, for generations to come. www.volunteerusafoundation.org.