Dollar General Literacy Foundation Kicks Off Fourth Annual The Yellow Glasses Project

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – July 17, 2023 – Today, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) launched its fourth annual The Yellow Glasses Project to shine a light on literacy and its role in helping create brighter futures. Now through September 8 (or while supplies last), yellow sunglasses will be available for purchase at all Dollar General stores for $2 each. Proceeds benefit the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2023.
 
“The Yellow Glasses Project is a fun campaign designed to increase awareness about the powerful role literacy plays in creating bright futures,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “The goal of the campaign is to reframe the discussion of literacy and shine a light on how it affects us all – adults, families, and youth. We are grateful to everyone who has joined us in advancing this important dialogue through purchases of Yellow Glasses, spreading awareness on social media, or sponsoring our efforts.”
 
Dollar General shoppers and literacy organizations across the nation are encouraged to help shine the light on literacy by posting photos sporting Yellow Glasses by tagging @TheYellowGlassesProject on Facebook and Instagram and @DGYellowGlasses on Twitter and  utilizing  #TheYellowGlassesProject and #ShineBrighter in their posts.
 
The Yellow Glasses Project launched in 2020 to further support the DGLF’s education and literacy initiatives and looks to highlight how literacy can open doorways to new opportunities for all individuals. According to the National Center for Education Statistics and the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, more than forty-three million adults in the United States struggle with limited literacy skills. Additionally, according to The Nation’s Report Card published by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 66% of fourth graders are not proficient in reading. To address these issues and the significant power of literacy, the campaign aims to increase awareness and inspire individuals  to get involved in and support the Foundation’s efforts to create pathways to increased proficiency. Each year, the campaign has raised more than $1 million and is currently sponsored by more than 25 national partners which can be found here.
 
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation was created by Dollar General’s former CEO, Cal Turner, Jr. in honor of his grandfather and DG co-founder, J.L. Turner, who was functionally illiterate. Since 1993, DGLF has continually supported organizations and their efforts to enhance quality classroom instruction, increase access to literacy programming, advance innovation and inspire the joy of reading. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $233 million to nonprofit organizations helping more than 19.3 million individuals advance their education, which includes its recently-announced  largest one-day donation.
 
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $233 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.3 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.