Actress Maria Menounos And Nestlé Help Kick Of National Literacy Month

"Actress Hollywood's" Maria Menounos helped kick off September's National Literacy Month with Nestlé yesterday. The actress and television correspondent read to children at the Los Angeles Public Library's Robertson Branch and also helped kick off a new reading program sponsored by Nestlé.

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Nestlé announced the new charitable initiative, "The Nestlé Share the Joy of Reading Program," which will donate up to $250,000 to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization.

"I'm proud to be part of 'The Nestlé Share the Joy of Reading Program' to benefit Reading Is Fundamental," said Maria Menounos. "Reading has played a major role in my life - I wouldn't be where I am today if my parents hadn't read to me growing up and stressed the importance of reading on my own at an early age."

While the new program will donate to RIF, it will also give consumers the chance to win several different prizes and will help a child receive a new book every time they open a bag of Nestlé candy.

"We're excited to announce the next phase of our long-standing relationship with RIF," said Tricia Bowles, spokesperson, Nestlé USA Confections & Snacks. "We believe this program will help make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids and underserved communities that really need the help. This has been a core component of Nestlé's commitment to communities across the country and we're happy to give our consumers a chance to contribute while also receiving some great benefits for themselves - it's a win-win!"

"As we celebrate National Literacy Month, RIF is thrilled to partner with the Nestlé to share the joy of reading with children in Los Angeles and across the country," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "For many years, Nestlé has been a committed partner to RIF and supported our mission of providing free books to the children that need them most."

The program will end in December of 2011. For more details, head to www.celebrationcorner.com/RIF.