Sleep Country USA Establishes Itself as a Role Model for Businesses and Community Members to Create a Positive, Lasting Impact

SEATTLE, WA, May 03, 2011

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 Washington and Oregon, this represents nearly 20,000 youth who live in foster care. For Sleep Country USA, the Northwest's largest mattress retailer, the plight of foster children and the tremendous support provided by foster families were so inspiring that in 2005, the company founded the Sleep Country Foster Kids program. The goal of this effort was to channel Sleep Country'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 Country USA. "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 more than 350,000 items and more than $500,000 in cash for foster children. 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: The Sleep Country USA Foster Kids program is currently seeking new pajamas and clothing, which can be donated to any Sleep Country USA store. The company also accepts cash donations at http://www.sleepcountry.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 Country USA or to host your own drive, please visit the Sleep Country Foster Kids page. To find the store nearest to you or for more information about the shoe drive, please visit http://www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

About Sleep Country USA
Sleep Country USA, an employee-owned company, is the No. 1 bedding specialist in the Northwest with more than 70 mattress retail stores throughout Washington and Oregon. Founded in 1991, Sleep Country USA features top-quality, brand-name mattresses from Serta, Sealy, Posturepedic , Simmons Beautyrest , Stearns & Foster, and Tempur-Pedic , as well as premium adjustable beds, futons, and wood and metal accent beds. The company emphasizes customer service and satisfaction with its Money Back Comfort Guarantee and Free Same Day Red Carpet Delivery Service. Sleep Country USA's award-winning Sleep Country Foster Kids program actively contributes to its communities through ongoing donation drives and fundraising events that benefit the area's nearly 20,000 foster children. For more information about Sleep Country USA or the Sleep Country Foster Kids program, please visit http://www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

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