Sleep Train Celebrates National Foster Care Month; Strives to Inspire Awareness by Honoring Foster Families and Supporters

SACRAMENTO, CA, May 02, 2011 (Press-News.org) National Foster Care Month recognizes the significant contributions and dedicated work of foster parents and draws attention to programs and practices that promote stability for children in foster care. Originating in 1988, National Foster Care Month has inspired people nationwide for more than 20 years to support the more than 500,000 children and youth living in foster care.

In California, this represents nearly 60,000 youth who live in foster care. For Sleep Train, the West Coast's largest mattress retailer, the plight of foster children and the tremendous support provided by foster families were so inspiring that in 2008, the company founded the Sleep Train Foster Kids program. The goal of this effort was to channel Sleep Train's philanthropic interests and resources into one very important cause - becoming a resource and support system for foster organizations that directly aid foster children and their families.

"Foster children have the same needs as children who live in stable families, yet often have to go without due to financial restraints and continuous moves," said Terry Horsley, vice president of brand strategy, Sleep Train. "We sought to change this reality with in-store drives to obtain new clothes, shoes, coats, pajamas, school supplies, and gifts at Christmas - to date obtaining nearly 300,000 items and more than $700,000 in cash to organizations who support area foster children and their families. We've set a great example of the impact companies can have on their community, and hope our success persuades other businesses and community members to get involved."

While some foster children may return home to their parents, others will live in foster care until they become adults or are adopted. Throughout the year, but especially during May, everyone is encouraged to play a more active role in the lives of foster children. Individuals and businesses interested in helping local foster children can get involved in the following ways:

• Become a foster parent: There continues to be a shortage of foster homes. Consider caring for siblings and adolescent children - one of the most underserved segments.

• Be a volunteer child advocate: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

• Mentor a foster child: Help children and youth achieve higher grades and improve relationships with friends and families.

•Employ a foster child: Help a youth in foster care explore career options and find a career path.

• Make a donation: Starting May 23, the Sleep Train Foster Kids program will begin collecting new clothing, which can be donated to any Sleep Train store. The company also accepts cash donations at http://www.sleeptrain.com, and they will do the shopping for you.

"It's our motto, but we'll share - we know that while everyone may not be able to be a foster parent, anyone can help a foster child," closed Horsley.

For more information about National Foster Care Month, please visit http://www.fostercaremonth.org. For more information on Sleep Train or to host your own drive, please visit the Sleep Train Foster Kids page. To find the store nearest to you or for more information about the shoe drive, please visit http://www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS.

About Sleep Train
Sleep Train Mattress Centers, an award winning, employee-owned company, is ranked the #1 bedding specialist on the West Coast. Sleep Train offers customers superior service by professional and knowledgeable sleep consultants and the best selection of famous brands, such as Simmons Beautyrest , Sealy Posturepedic , Tempur-Pedic , Stearns & Foster, and the Vera Wang Collection by Serta , as well as premium adjustable beds, futons, and wood and metal accent beds at the guaranteed lowest prices. Sleep Train's award-winning Foster Kids program actively contributes to its community through ongoing donation drives that benefit the area's nearly 60,000 foster children. With more than 90 retail locations throughout California, Sleep Train is Your Ticket to a Better Night's Sleep . For more information, please visit http://www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS.

Media Contacts:
Revolution PR for Sleep Train
Jennifer Karkar Ritchie, (206) 932-2454, jennifer@revolutionpr.com
Aaron Hilst, (206) 355-3506, aaron@revolutionpr.com