Sleep Train School Supply Drive for Foster Kids Spells Success

With the odds stacked against them for excelling in school, local foster children get a boost from company’s annual drive to collect backpacks, pens, pencils, paper, flash drives and more

For Immediate Release
Download PDF Version

Sacramento – July 30, 2012 – It takes hard work and dedication to excel in school, but it’s difficult to be successful without the most basic tools–school supplies. That’s why Sleep Train, the West Coast’s largest mattress retailer, is calling on its community members to donate school supplies for the more than 60,000 foster children in California during its annual School Supply Drive for Foster Kids.

“The first day of school always comes with a little anxiety, and for foster children who are often starting at a brand new school with new teachers and classmates, it can be even more concerning. Having the same school supplies as their peers helps these children fit in, easing first day jitters,” said Tonya Torosian, CEO of Promises2Kids. “Foster children often have educational challenges as a result of their past and changes in their living situation, being twice as likely to repeat a grade and 20% more likely to drop out of school. With programs like Sleep Train’s, these children are more likely to start school off on a positive note and achieve success both in school and throughout life.”

Starting today, July 30th, through September 9th, Sleep Train’s Foster Kids Program is collecting donations of new school supplies at all of its more than 100 stores in the region. Here’s how your donation can help foster kids get on the right track so they can:

  1. Get it done the write way: Kids go through tons of pens and pencils throughout the school year. Donate a pack of No. 2 pencils and black or blue pens.
  2. Stand up tall: Backpacks don’t just haul around books and a lunch – they also help foster kids fit in with their peers, lending an extra confidence boost.
  3. Note their success: Paper is another supply kids use up quickly; but without it, they can’t turn in assignments or take notes! Pick up a few packs of loose-leaf paper and a 5-subject notebook.
  4. Stay organized: 3-ring binders are on the top of school supply lists for grades 6-12 and will help foster kids keep their assignments orderly year round.
  5. Get connected: With more and more schoolwork done on the computer, flash drives are a much-needed item for both middle and high school students.


Ready to help foster children beat the odds and start the year set for school? Drop off donations of school supplies at any Sleep Train store, or donate online and Sleep Train employees will do the shopping for you. You can even organize your local school, sports team, or business to rally behind the cause and Host-Your-Own-Drive.

Donate to the Sleep Train School Supply Drive July 30th through September 9th and remember that while “Not everyone can be a foster parent, anyone can help a foster child.”