NEW YORK, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pier 1 Imports presented a check today for $1.1 million to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF representing the proceeds raised from the sale of UNICEF greeting cards during the 2009 holiday season.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of UNICEF holiday greeting cards will go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help in its mission to decrease the number of daily, preventable childhood deaths from 24,000 to zero.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100302/DC63822 )

"Pier 1 Imports has been an incredible partner for the last 25 years and we are thrilled at the amount of funds raised from greeting card sales this past holiday season," said Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Edward Lloyd. "Through their support, the sale of holiday cards and the annual greeting card contest, Pier 1 Imports continues to build awareness of UNICEF's mission and help us do whatever it takes to protect and save every child."  

Three Pier 1 Imports store managers, and one regional manager were presented with plaques for 2009 holiday greeting cards sales results.  They are: Robert White, Store Manager from Orlando/Hunter's Creek, Florida; James Alvarez, Store Manager from Torrance, California; Candice Hamilton, Store Manager from Gresham, Oregon; and Mark Daily, Regional Manager for Orlando, Florida.

Pier 1 started selling UNICEF greeting cards in 1985 and is now the world's largest retailer of UNICEF greeting cards, having raised more than $27 million to date.  Each year, children in the United States ages 14 and under are invited to compete in the Pier 1 Imports/UNICEF Greeting Card Contest, a beloved, annual tradition, in which the winning design chosen from thousands of entries is reproduced as an official UNICEF holiday greeting card to be sold at Pier 1 Imports stores nationwide. The greeting card contest started in 1992 as a way to help raise awareness among U.S. school children about UNICEF's important work for children around the world, and has inspired kids from coast to coast to use their creative talents in a meaningful way.  This year's contest marks the 25th year of partnership between the specialty home furnishings retailer and the international children's organization.  

Funds from the sale of cards support UNICEF programs that provide lifesaving medicines, vaccines, nutritious foods, primary education, clean water and sanitation and emergency relief for millions of children and women in more than 150 countries.  

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress -- the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

ABOUT PIER 1 IMPORTS

Pier 1 Imports, Inc. is the original global importer and is North America's largest specialty retailer of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts. Information about the Company is available on www.pier1.com.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.unicefusa.org
http://www.pier1.com