For the third consecutive year, Staples is partnering with United Way for its annual Day of Action. Today, at 13 locations across the country, including Boston, St. Louis, Seattle and Denver, Staples volunteers will stuff literacy kits for children. Staples participates in the promotional products industry as distributor Staples Promotional Products (UPIC: AMER0016).

The kits, provided by Staples Promotional Products, include two books, crayons, a coloring book and corresponding activities that reinforce the story to help improve literacy among young children. Staples associates will decorate and assemble the kits for children with limited access to books and the local United Way will facilitate distribution to families in need.

“Staples is focused on improving education in the communities in which we live and work,” says John Burke, chief culture officer at Staples. “By inspiring children in numerous locations across the United States and Canada to love reading, Staples is doing its part to add to the global impact of United Way’s Day of Action.”

United Way’s Day of Action mobilizes volunteers in more than 300 communities around the world. Last year, more than 385 United Ways in 49 states and 21 countries mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers in their communities on Day of Action. This year, Staples volunteers will stuff more than 1,000 literacy kits, up from 11 locations and just under 1,000 kits last year, and up from six locations and 600 kits in 2014.

“We’re excited to partner with Staples for the third consecutive year on Day of Action to raise the literacy rates of young children,” says Evan Hochberg, chief strategy officer of United Way Worldwide. “We are grateful to all of the Staples employees who are dedicating their time and energy to create these literacy kits which will help kids keep reading throughout the summer.”