NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KPMG LLP, the
audit, tax and advisory firm, will donate 100,000 new books and –
in conjunction with Campbell Soup Company – more than 150,000 cans
of soup this holiday season to organizations affiliated with the
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and
Youth (NAEHCY), as well as food banks and organizations that serve
the homeless.
During its "Soup and Stories" campaign, KPMG's 90 offices
nationwide will build and donate "starter libraries" stocked with
250 new books to NAEHCY-affiliated organizations, and collect soup
and other canned goods for shelters that can accept food donations,
in an effort to mediate hunger and educational challenges due to
homelessness. In addition, each of these organizations will
receive a grant from KPMG's Family for Literacy (KFFL) program –
which has donated more than 2.3 million new books
to children in need over the past six years – to
secure additional books from the nonprofit, social enterprise First
Book.
"KPMG's Family for Literacy is dedicated to helping eradicate
childhood illiteracy in the U.S. and this year we are going beyond
the classroom to reach some of the most vulnerable children in our
country, those without a permanent home," said John Veihmeyer, Chairman and CEO of KPMG.
"Through our 'Soup and Stories' campaign, we aspire to nourish both
the minds and bodies of those most in need, by utilizing the
commitment, resources, and energy of our entire KPMG family."
Homelessness in the United
States has reached historic levels in recent years and
children are the fastest-growing and most vulnerable population.
One in every 30 children in the United
States has experienced homelessness in the last year – more
than 2.5 million children nationwide –representing an 8 percent
increase from 2012-2013, according to the American Institutes for
Research's National Center on Family Homelessness.
Challenges that homeless children face early in life such as
hunger, poor nutrition, and physical illness, can prevent them from
acquiring the education that could ultimately lift them out of
poverty and provide a more stable future. The link between hunger
and learning has been well documented – hungry children are unable
to concentrate and learn. Homeless children also may not be
enrolled in school or struggle to attend school due to their living
situation, and often fall behind their peers academically.
When Campbell Soup Company learned of KPMG's efforts, it joined
the "Soup and Stories" campaign by generously matching KPMG's
donation of 75,000 cans of soup.
"Campbell is honored to
collaborate with KPMG and NAEHCY to provide comfort and nourishment
to those who need it most during the holidays," said Dave Stangis, Campbell's Vice President, Public Affairs and
Corporate Responsibility. "At Campbell, we recognize the role our
foods play in people's lives and that what we do every day matters.
We're thrilled to help with such a worthy cause."
"Homeless children and youth face many barriers to educational
success, including lack of access to books," said Barbara Duffield, Director of Policy and
Programs for NAEHCY. "KPMG's Family for Literacy and First Book are
putting new books in the hands of thousands of homeless children
and youth, helping to build their literacy skills while bringing
comfort during a time of upheaval and loss. Their efforts will help
put homeless children on the path to educational success and a
brighter future."
"As a leader in the realm of corporate responsibility, KPMG uses
the full depth and breadth of its resources to promote literacy and
provide children with the books and educational resources they
need," said Kyle Zimmer, President
and CEO of First Book. "KPMG's Family for Literacy program does
impactful work year-round, and the 'Soup and Stories' campaign
builds on that work by ensuring an underserved population of
children has permanent access to books outside of the
classroom."
Through KFFL -- KPMG partners and professionals, their spouses,
interns, and alumni -- raise money, visit classrooms and other
organizations, read to children, and personally put new books into
the hands of children who most need them. For many children,
the books they receive are the first they have ever
owned.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory
firm (www.kpmg.com/us), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG
International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG
International's member firms have 162,000 professionals, including
more than 8,600 partners, in 155 countries.
About the National Association for the Education of Homeless
Children and Youth
NAEHCY is a grassroots membership
association working to ensure that every child and youth
experiencing homelessness is successful in school, from early
childhood through higher education. Established in 1989,
NAEHCY provides professional development, resources,
and training support for anyone interested in supporting the
academic success of children and youth who are challenged by
homelessness. NAEHCY also engages in federal policy advocacy
to strengthen policies and resources for homeless children,
youth, and families. To learn more,
visit www.naehcy.org
About First Book
First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed
more than 120 million brand new books and educational resources to
programs and schools serving children from low-income families
throughout the U.S. and Canada. By
making new, high-quality books available on an ongoing basis, First
Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating
the quality of education. For more information, please visit
us online or follow our latest news
on Facebook and Twitter.
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell (NYSE: CPB) makes real food that
matters for life's moments, from high-quality soups and simple
meals to snacks and healthy beverages. For generations, people have
trusted Campbell to provide
authentic, flavorful and readily available foods and beverages that
connect them to each other, to warm memories and to what's
important today. Led by its iconic Campbell's brand, the company's portfolio
includes Pepperidge Farm, Goldfish, Bolthouse Farms, V8,
Swanson, Prego, Pace, Plum Organics, Arnott's, Tim Tam, Royal Dansk and Kjeldsens. Founded
in 1869, Campbell has a heritage
of giving back and acting as a good steward of the planet's natural
resources. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500
and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. For more information,
visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com or follow company news on Twitter
via @CampbellSoupCo.
Contact:
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Bridget
Carroll/Ichiro Kawasaki
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KPMG LLP
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201-505-6501/201-307-8640
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bccarroll@kpmg.com/
ikawasaki@kpmg.com
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SOURCE KPMG LLP