Families Served by Volunteers of America featured in 'Hope is an Open Heart'

Volunteers of America has worked with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, to create “Hope is an Open Heart,” an uplifting new book that teaches children hope can be found in some of the most unexpected places. Scholastic Inc. will donate one dollar from  the sale of each hardcover edition of “Hope is an Open Heart” in the United States – up to $30,000 – to Volunteers of America, which provides services to children in need in communities nationwide. Released this fall by Scholastic Press, the book by author Lauren Thompson combines its inspirational message with breathtaking photographs taken throughout the United States and around the world. Speaking to people of all ages and cultures, Thompson’s words combined with beautiful images celebrate loving families, caring friends, small kindnesses and great inner strength. Beginning in 2006, Volunteers of America worked with Scholastic to identify children and families in the Gulf Coast whose lives had been affected by Hurricane Katrina, including several served by Volunteers of America’s local office in Mobile, Ala. Several of those families are featured in the book. “Hope is remembering that you are not alone,” Thompson writes. “Many others feel just the way you do. Many others care.” "Through the work we've done not only in the Gulf but around the world with families, educators and non-profits, time and again we've witnessed children's universal ability to consider the brighter aspects of life – to be hopeful – in the most difficult situations,” said Karen Proctor, Vice President of Community Affairs at Scholastic. “This book pays tribute to children and we hope is an inspiration to all of us during good times and challenging times." “Hope is an Open Heart” is now available for purchase online at The Scholastic Store and at other online book retailers nationwide. About Scholastic Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the company's Web site: www.scholastic.com.