Dependable Cleaners sponsors 11th annual Read to Ride: Read for the chance to win bikes

Program has encouraged area children to read more than 54,000 books during first ten years!

QUINCY, MA (May 6, 2009) – Dependable Cleaners is giving area children another reason to hit the books this summer with its 11th Annual Read to Ride reading incentive program. The community endeavor offers children, ages 6-15, the chance to win a bike and helmet for every book they complete within the weeks of the program.

Participating in Read to Ride is easy! Entry forms will be available at all 16 Dependable Cleaners locations and participating bike shops starting May 18, 2009. Children may enter once for each book they read. A parent or guardian must sign the entry form, verifying that the book was completed. Two winners’ names will be drawn weekly from June 1 until July 13, 2009 (except July 6).

For ten years in a row, Read to Ride has successfully promoted literacy by encouraging children to read during the summer months, with the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Since the program began in 1999, area children have read more than 54,000 books! In addition, 194 children have pedaled away on brand new bicycles as a reward for their reading efforts.

“The success of this program relies heavily the overwhelming number of parents who encourage their children to read during the summer months,” said Christa Hagearty, President of Dependable Cleaners and a mother of three young children. “Many parents have reported that our Read to Ride program instilled a positive reading habit in their children.”

“Children who develop a love of reading at an early age are often more successful in school, and in life,” she continued. “We’re proud of the success of Read to Ride and we’re happy to continue offering this program.”

The eleventh year of Ride to Ride promises to bring with it as much excitement as the first ten years did. The contest has already seen a set of twins each win a bike one year a part, brothers and sisters have won and one girl even won two years in a row and as a result donated her second bike to charity. Read to Ride has rewarded children for their efforts and has made summer reading fun.

Read to Ride 2009 is sponsored by Dependable Cleaners in conjunction with: The Patriot Ledger; Farina’s Bicycle Center in Watertown; and Anderson Bicycle in Quincy. More information about Read to Ride 2009 and printable entry forms are available on www.DependableCleaners.com. Be sure to log on to find directions to the Dependable Cleaners location nearest you!

Dependable Cleaners, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a three-generation, family-owned company. There are presently 16 retail locations in Massachusetts and delivery is offered in 24 towns. For more information, or a list of locations, please call Dependable Cleaners at 617-471-1900 or log onto www.DependableCleaners.com.