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PopSockets promote U46 school readiness via Logotech donation

Showing their love both for learning and the most popular mobile accessory on the market, parents and children left an Elgin laundromat Thursday afternoon with more than just clean clothes.

They left with PopSockets - patented phone grips that have sold more than 100 million units. They were handed out by the Elgin Partnership for Early Learning and branded with School District U46's "Give Me Five" messaging.

The PopSockets were made possible by Logotech. Based in Palatine, the promotional product company picked EPEL as its first-ever Logotech-4-Good recipient. The program gives a $500 grant of branded promotional products to one deserving school, educational or nonprofit organization selected by the company each month.

Its second winner will be announced Friday (January 15).

The popular mobile device grips are imprinted in either English or Spanish with the "Talk - Play - Read - Do - Write … Give Me Five!" handprint logo used by the district's Give Me Five for Early Learning. The messaging reminds parents and caregivers to practice those actions with children each day to get them ready for school.

The Blue Kangaroo Laundry, 464 Summit St., Elgin, was chosen for the official hand-off to co-promote EPEL's "Language in the Laundromat" program. A bookcase with books, as well as signs promoting the "Give Me Five" message, were placed in the laundromat earlier this year. It is the second area laundry to get the materials encouraging parents to read with their children as their loads run.

"Our employees enthusiastically chose to make our first donation to a local organization, and everyone thought the finished PopSockets looked very cool. They are such a great promotional piece because people are always pulling their phones out. There is the logo, in front of your face, reminding you to interact with your kids and not just be distracted on your phone," said Logotech spokesperson William Smith, director of marketing for the company.

"I am happy I got a PopSocket now," said Elgin parent Arienette Hernandez, who noted she does practice the skills with her parents.

"There are some of the PopSockets left and we will continue to give them out to parents, reminding them and the community to work with children to get them ready for school," said Amber Peters, executive director of the Elgin partnership.

For more information on Logotech and how to apply for future grants, please go to https://www.logotech.com/logotech-4-good.

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