From the Globe Newspaper Issued Sept 22-28, 2010

This year, thousands of area foster children prepared for the first day of school with the same confidence their peers enjoy, knowing they had the school supplies needed to participate and excel in class. Thanks to communities and individuals who contributed to the annual Sleep Train School Supply Drive for foster kids, more than 50,000 items were donated. These donations, including new backpacks, pencils, pens, calculators and notebooks, will benefit California's 80,000 foster kids.

"The first day of a new school year is nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about having the appropriate supplies. We aim to help foster kids feel prepared and not only ease that first-day stress, but also set them up for success and confidence throughout the year," said Terry Horsley, vice president of brand strategy for Sleep Train. "We're grateful for the support of our generous community of donors, reinforcing our belief that while not everyone can be a foster parent, anyone can help a foster child."

Sleep Train holds its annual school supply drive as part of an ongoing effort to provide foster children with items their foster families might not be able to afford. The new school supplies are distributed among Sleep Train's 19 regional foster care partners who provide foster children and their families with help.

"Each year, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is extremely thankful for the school supplies we receive from Sleep Train's drive," said Vickie Scott Grove, executive director of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley. "The generosity of those who donate and companies like Sleep Train not only gives the children and teens in our program a great start to a new school year, but also a strong sense of support from their surrounding communities."

Sleep Train's annual coat drive will begin on Sept. 27. New coats can be donated at any Sleep Train location through Oct. 31. For more information on Sleep Train's ongoing foster kids programs, or to find the closest Sleep Train store to make a donation, visit www.sleeptrain.com or call (800) 378-BEDS. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m