As kids around the country head back to school, local Starbucks Coffee Company locations are providing opportunities for customers to give kids the tools they need to read and succeed. The All Books for Children book drive will give new and used books to local schools and literacy organizations across North America. All books collected in the Atlanta region will be donated to Egleston Children's Hospital Reach Out and read program.

"Reading is a fundamental requirement for success in our society," said Marla Loftus, Starbucks Southeast regional marketing manager. "All Books for Children is a great opportunity for all of us to help the deserving children in our communities."

Customers are encouraged to bring new or gently used children's books, appropriate for children up to age 5, to any Starbucks through today. Starbucks will then donate the books to Egleston.

"The need for children to have access to books is greater today than ever," said Ellen Fernand, coordinator of the hospital's program. "We are pleased that Starbucks has recognized this need and is working with their customers to help us do something about it. Every single book we receive will reach the right children to make a significant impact."

Reach Out and read is designed to promote an interest in reading and books among children between the ages of six months and five years old. Volunteers share books with children in the waiting rooms while physicians discuss the importance of reading with their parents or caregivers.

This fall, the program will support many different literacy organizations in local communities with critical needs.