KPMG's "Soup and Stories" Campaign To Impact Thousands Of Homeless Children During Holiday Season

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm, will donate 100,000 new books and – in conjunction with Campbell Soup Company – more than 150,000 cans of soup this holiday season to organizations affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY), as well as food banks and organizations that serve the homeless. 

During its "Soup and Stories" campaign, KPMG's 90 offices nationwide will build and donate "starter libraries" stocked with 250 new books to NAEHCY-affiliated organizations, and collect soup and other canned goods for shelters that can accept food donations, in an effort to mediate hunger and educational challenges due to homelessness.  In addition, each of these organizations will receive a grant from KPMG's Family for Literacy (KFFL) program – which has donated more than 2.3 million new books to children in need over the past six years – to secure additional books from the nonprofit, social enterprise First Book.  

"KPMG's Family for Literacy is dedicated to helping eradicate childhood illiteracy in the U.S. and this year we are going beyond the classroom to reach some of the most vulnerable children in our country, those without a permanent home," said John Veihmeyer, Chairman and CEO of KPMG. "Through our 'Soup and Stories' campaign, we aspire to nourish both the minds and bodies of those most in need, by utilizing the commitment, resources, and energy of our entire KPMG family."

Homelessness in the United States has reached historic levels in recent years and children are the fastest-growing and most vulnerable population. One in every 30 children in the United States has experienced homelessness in the last year – more than 2.5 million children nationwide –representing an 8 percent increase from 2012-2013, according to the American Institutes for Research's National Center on Family Homelessness.

Challenges that homeless children face early in life such as hunger, poor nutrition, and physical illness, can prevent them from acquiring the education that could ultimately lift them out of poverty and provide a more stable future. The link between hunger and learning has been well documented – hungry children are unable to concentrate and learn. Homeless children also may not be enrolled in school or struggle to attend school due to their living situation, and often fall behind their peers academically.

When Campbell Soup Company learned of KPMG's efforts, it joined the "Soup and Stories" campaign by generously matching KPMG's donation of 75,000 cans of soup. 

"Campbell is honored to collaborate with KPMG and NAEHCY to provide comfort and nourishment to those who need it most during the holidays," said Dave Stangis, Campbell's Vice President, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility. "At Campbell, we recognize the role our foods play in people's lives and that what we do every day matters. We're thrilled to help with such a worthy cause." 

"Homeless children and youth face many barriers to educational success, including lack of access to books," said Barbara Duffield, Director of Policy and Programs for NAEHCY. "KPMG's Family for Literacy and First Book are putting new books in the hands of thousands of homeless children and youth, helping to build their literacy skills while bringing comfort during a time of upheaval and loss. Their efforts will help put homeless children on the path to educational success and a brighter future."

"As a leader in the realm of corporate responsibility, KPMG uses the full depth and breadth of its resources to promote literacy and provide children with the books and educational resources they need," said Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book. "KPMG's Family for Literacy program does impactful work year-round, and the 'Soup and Stories' campaign builds on that work by ensuring an underserved population of children has permanent access to books outside of the classroom."

Through KFFL -- KPMG partners and professionals, their spouses, interns, and alumni -- raise money, visit classrooms and other organizations, read to children, and personally put new books into the hands of children who most need them.  For many children, the books they receive are the first they have ever owned. 

About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.kpmg.com/us), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG International's member firms have 162,000 professionals, including more than 8,600 partners, in 155 countries.

About the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
NAEHCY is a grassroots membership association working to ensure that every child and youth experiencing homelessness is successful in school, from early childhood through higher education. Established in 1989, NAEHCY provides professional development, resources, and training support for anyone interested in supporting the academic success of children and youth who are challenged by homelessness. NAEHCY also engages in federal policy advocacy to strengthen policies and resources for homeless children, youth, and families. To learn more, visit www.naehcy.org

About First Book 
First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 120 million brand new books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada. By making new, high-quality books available on an ongoing basis, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education. For more information, please visit us online or follow our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell (NYSE: CPB) makes real food that matters for life's moments, from high-quality soups and simple meals to snacks and healthy beverages. For generations, people have trusted Campbell to provide authentic, flavorful and readily available foods and beverages that connect them to each other, to warm memories and to what's important today. Led by its iconic Campbell's brand, the company's portfolio includes Pepperidge Farm, Goldfish, Bolthouse Farms, V8, Swanson, Prego, Pace, Plum Organics, Arnott's, Tim Tam, Royal Dansk and Kjeldsens. Founded in 1869, Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the planet's natural resources. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. For more information, visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com or follow company news on Twitter via @CampbellSoupCo.

SOURCE KPMG LLP

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