Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Activates Hurricane Sandy Education Relief Initiative to Assist its Customers and Communities

BOSTON - (BUSINESS WIRE) - To support the recovery efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) has pledged its help to schools, public libraries and community organizations in affected regions. HMH has committed in excess of $1 million in total relief support, including cash and book donations, as well as discounted products to replace books and materials lost in the storm.

Through a partnership with First Book, HMH will immediately donate more than $750,000 worth of books and educational materials to support the rebuilding of school libraries, afterschool programs, community centers and community libraries devastated by Hurricane Sandy. HMH is also donating $50,000 in cash to New York and New Jersey state relief agencies to assist in rebuilding efforts in the states most impacted by the storm. In addition, HMH will donate a percentage of all customer replacement purchases to relief efforts in the affected states, and offer strategic support to states re-imagining and re-building their school infrastructures as a result of the storm.

"The devastating effects of this storm have extended into every facet of life for people on the east coast, including education. Hundreds of schools were damaged and many have suffered substantial loss of materials due to water damage, building collapses, and fire," said Mary Cullinane, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Quickly equipping in-need facilities with books and instructional materials will provide them with the necessary resources to resume instruction and daily routines critical for children at this turbulent time."