(NewsUSA) - Literacy is the foundation for success in life, and literacy starts with childhood introduction to books. Unfortunately, many children in the United States have limited access to books, and the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic have made the situation worse, as children are unable to receive books through the usual channels of schools and libraries.

To help overcome barriers to placing more books into children's hands, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, part of the Toys for Tots charitable foundation, has partnered with The UPS Store to deliver more than 44 million books since 2008. The UPS Store locations across the United States serve as partners for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, and both organizations are committed to promoting literacy for all children.

"The pandemic has presented new barriers between children and the foundational life skill of literacy, hitting economically disadvantaged families the hardest," says Tim Davis, President of The UPS Store, Inc.

"The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is one impactful way we continue to support the communities we operate in, especially during challenging times. Our network of franchisees and customers are proud to help foster a love of books and learning through our continued commitment to this in-store donation program," he emphasizes.

Most people know Toys for Tots as the organization that brings holiday cheer to children in need through the gift of a new toy. Toys for Tots remains committed to its holiday toy program, but the organization is extending its outreach through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

The goal of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is to provide economically disadvantaged children with direct access to resources that will enhance their reading and communication skills. The program works with various agencies to identify local schools and organizations to receive books purchased through the program's donations.

"We are incredibly thankful for all of the support this program has garnered over the years," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

"The UPS Store continues to make it possible to support children nationwide in their literacy journey, especially amid the pandemic and for years to come," he adds.

Visit theupsstore.com/literacy or www.toysfortots.org/literacy for more information about the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

(NewsUSA)

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(NewsUSA) -This year, many Americans are facing a strong urge to get away and recharge with a summer vacation. Nowadays, the time and effort that goes into planning a vacation, a sense of 'making up for lost time' and the ability to work and attend school remotely means there's increased value to planning a longer trip.

Whether you're taking a road trip, escaping to the beach, camping, or visiting loved ones, preparation is key, especially when you will be away from home for more than a few nights. And if it's the first time in a while that you or your family has traveled, it's a good idea to refresh on travel tips and tricks.

Travel expenses can quickly add up, but if you are an AARP member, you have access to a wide range of benefits and discounts on products and services you may not even realize that will help make your trip more efficient, affordable and memorable. Consider the following ways AARP member benefits can help you and your family reimagine your vacation in a way that provides you with both incredible memories and some extra cash back in your wallet:

Pack the Essentials and Prepare. Make your list, check it twice, and then head to Walgreens to purchase travel essentials for your trip, including travel-size toiletries, hand sanitizer, snacks, beverages and more. When you link your AARP and myWalgreens™ memberships, you'll earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded health and wellness products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible beauty purchases.

Safety is also a top priority when planning a trip -- especially when leaving your home for an extended period of time. You don't want to worry about uninvited visitors while you're away. You can take advantage of member perks with SimpliSafe, and relax on vacation knowing that you have top-notch home security that doesn't break the budget. SimpliSafe alerts you to disasters that may occur inside your home while you're away, including fire, water damage, and loss of power. With 24/7 professional monitoring, you'll be covered around-the-clock with emergency dispatch for police, fire, and paramedics when you need them most. All with no long-term contracts or hidden fees. AARP members get 15% off any new SimpliSafe home security system and one free month of 24/7 monitoring.

Hit the Open Road. Road trips will continue to be a popular activity this summer, but before you venture out, your car might need a checkup. Schedule time on your pre-trip calendar for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change; AARP members save 15% off drive-thru, stay-in-your-car oil changes -- including a free 18-point maintenance check. The discount also applies toward preventive maintenance services -- including radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. Before you fill up at an ExxonTM or MobilTM station, link your Exxon Mobil Rewards+TM account to your AARP membership to earn extra points every day on the things you already buy, such as fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and 2x the points on fuel on member days. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases.

For a smooth journey and navigating on-the-road pitfalls, AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside assistance plans, including Roadside Elite. Benefits include 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Don't own a car or want to avoid putting miles on your vehicle? Find car rental savings from Avis and Budget Rent A Car of up to 30% with your AARP membership. Renting that perfect family-friendly vehicle can enhance your road-trip experience and saves your own car from racking up the mileage.

Find the Good Eats. Is that your stomach grumbling because you haven't stopped in a few hours? Take a pause from sightseeing or driving and find a Denny's nearby to grab a good meal that will nourish you until your next stop. Denny's offers delicious food options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. AARP members can save 15% on their check. Dine-in service is available in locations without dine-in restrictions.

Rest Your Head, Re-Charge, Re-Unite. It's helpful to know that you are resting your head in a safe, clean and comfortable place. Wyndham, Motel 6 and Studio 6 properties have all implemented various cleanliness procedures to enhance health and safety. Travelers can take advantage of the AARP member discounts as they plan a road trip or vacation to reconnect with loved ones. Are you one of the thousands of families who have a new grandchild, niece or nephew that you can't wait to meet? If you're hitting the road to celebrate a grand introduction, save big by utilizing one of Motel 6's more than 1,300 properties countywide. AARP members can save 10% off the best available rate and get late checkout upon request until 2 p.m., when available.

Regardless of where you're headed, don't forget to optimize your next adventure by taking advantage of discounts and savings available to AARP members. If you are an AARP member, you can learn more about your saving options by visiting www.aarp.org/save.

(NewsUSA) -Cryptocurrency continues to make waves through the financial world, and more everyday Americans are getting in on the action, too.

Companies such as Coinme are making cryptocurrency accessible to everyone. The company has announced an expanded partnership with Coinstar, the global leader in self-service coin counting, to launch more than 350 bitcoin-enabled Coinstar® kiosks in North Carolina and Connecticut. With this expansion, the companies are bringing bitcoin to retail locations, including Food Lion and Harris Teeter in North Carolina and Big Y World Class Markets in Connecticut. This launch increases the U.S. footprint of bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks to more than 6,000 across 47 states.

"We're excited to launch hundreds of new bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks in Connecticut and North Carolina," says Neil Bergquist, CEO of Coinme.

"Simple, trusted and accessible cash-to-bitcoin onramps help hard-working Americans, including the 24% that are unbanked, gain access to bitcoin, which has proven to be an increasingly beneficial store of value."

More consumers are embracing cryptocurrency for a variety of purposes.

A recent Coinstar survey found that of those who use cryptocurrency, 53% of users focus on investment, while 37% say they use it to protect their money.

Cryptocurrency is an especially helpful option for people who don't have access to traditional banks or other assets. These individuals can purchase a portion of a bitcoin, known as a Satoshi, and improve their financial independence through the digital currency revolution.

"More Americans are coming to see the value of bitcoin, and we see this reflected in the continued popularity of Coinme's bitcoin offering on our kiosks," says Jim Gaherity, CEO of Coinstar.

"Through our partnership, we offer an easy-to-use avenue to purchase bitcoin on select Coinstar kiosks via Coinme."

To get started, users only need a valid mobile phone number, a driver's license or state I.D and cash in U.S. dollars.

Turning cash to bitcoin at a Coinme-enabled Coinstar kiosk involves just four simple steps:

• First, create an account.
• Second, find a convenient kiosk near you.
• Third, insert your cash into the kiosk (bills only).
• Fourth, redeem for bitcoin on the spot.

Coinme bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks have several advantages over bitcoin ATMs, including safety backed by the latest regulatory compliance, and the ability to access bitcoin instantly in the Coinme Wallet, without the need to input separate wallet information.

Visit coinme.com for more information and to find a Coinme-enabled Coinstar kiosk near you.

(NewsUSA) - Taking ownership of your heart health by monitoring some basic health numbers can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Paying attention to blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are important for everyone, but especially for individuals living with diabetes, who are twice as likely to develop and die from heart disease, strokes or heart failure.

Type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for severe complications from COVID-19, so it is more important than ever for people living with diabetes to be aware of critical numbers and keep their diabetes well managed.

Diabetes management is especially essential for Hispanic/Latino Americans, who have a 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes and suffering devastating complications from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"My message for others living with diabetes is that we have control and choices," says Lupe Barraza, who lives with type 2 diabetes and is a spokesperson for Know Diabetes by Heart, an initiative of the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.

"Managing key health numbers can help you prevent complications from diabetes, like heart failure and kidney disease," Barraza says.

"You don't have to wait until you get sick to go to the doctor. You and your doctor should work together now to keep you from getting sick," she emphasizes.

Five key numbers all people living with diabetes should measure regularly are:

• BMI (body mass index). Your BMI is an estimate of body size based on height and weight that is used to help determine if you're overweight or obese. A normal BMI usually ranges from 18.6 to 24.9 and can be calculated at home using a BMI calculator or in a doctor's office.
• Blood Pressure. Blood pressure is how strongly the blood pumps through your body when your heart beats, and is a sign of heart health. A healthy blood pressure for most people is less than 120/80, but your doctor may give you a different goal based on your diabetes. Blood pressure can be measured at home if you have a blood pressure monitor, or in a doctor's office.
• A1C. Your A1C is a measure of average blood glucose levels for the past two to three months. A healthy A1C for someone with diabetes is 7 percent or less. A1C is measured by a blood test and should be checked at least every six months if you have diabetes.
• Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood. If cholesterol levels are too high, they can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is measured by a fasting blood test in a doctor's office.
• Kidney function. Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can make a huge difference. An often overlooked, simple test is the UACR (urine albumin to creatinine ratio) which can detect early signs of trouble. Kidney function is measured in a doctor's office and should be done every year.

Visit DiabetesdeCorazon.org for more information.

(NewsUSA)

 "Your Destiny Is Inside You"
by Ana Pat

Takes readers on a spiritual journey and inspires the awakening of a new state of consciousness, based on a deep understanding that everything is energy. It demonstrates how the liberation of the ego-based mind transforms consciousness, opening up a whole new world of positive energy allowing you to stay optimistic in your daily life.

The book is a deeply spiritual manifesto that emanates with undeniable truth, wisdom and spiritual strength. It's a story about self-discovery. It teaches the wisdom of listening to your own heart. It helps to get rid of suffering and obsessions based on self-limiting beliefs that deprive you of joy, peace and creativity. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rEJyqa.

"The Audacity of Sara Grayson"
by Joani Elliott

Sara Grayson is a 32-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother -- a world-famous suspense novelist -- Sara learns that her mother's dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

Sara can't fathom writing a book for 30 million fans, but in a bold move, she takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother's shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find -- secrets that threaten her mother's legacy and the very book she's trying to create. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hJWRlo.

"Prohibition Wine"
by Mariann Knapp

For readers who enjoy true crime and books like Anita Diamant's "Boston Girl," "Prohibition Wine" details a determined woman trying to make ends meet during the Great Depression and against all odds. When Rebecca Goldberg, a poor young widow with six children living in 1920s rural Massachusetts, had to decide between taking her older kids out of school to send them to work and breaking the law by selling illegal alcohol during Prohibition, her choice was clear: she broke the law.

This captivating true story of a women's struggle to keep her family afloat, though over 100 years ago, will resonate with the experience of immigrant families today and the prejudice, poverty, and marginalization still experienced. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2L1bAMC.

"No Footprint Is Too Small"
by Dimas Cintron

An inspiring story of survival, coping and healing. Follow the story of Dimas, a father who lost his son to brain cancer. Pain and sadness entered his life when he first received the horrible news, but he was still filled with hope.

This memoir is not just a story about loss. It's about the process of going through it -- a story about surviving the storm of pain and healing. Accompany Dimas on his heartfelt journey through unknown territory filled with pain and confusion. Follow him on his path of revelation and realization to discover how to get himself out of the void. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dcFZUi.

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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