Astros Foundation introduces new Oxy Literacy Launcher
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros Foundation is proud to announce the new and improved Oxy Literacy Launcher, which is a mobile, interactive unit that encourages family reading in underserved communities in the Greater Houston area.
The Oxy Literacy Launcher is a collaboration between the Astros Foundation, Oxy and the Friends of the Houston Public Library. It replaces the well-utilized Oxy Literacy Bus, which had been in service over the past several years.
¡°This is a great partnership that will have an extremely positive impact,¡± said Emelda Douglas, Astros Senior Vice President, Community Affairs and Executive Director, Astros Foundation. ¡°Reading is such a critical part of every child¡¯s development, so we are proud to partner with Oxy and the Friends of the Houston Public Library to help provide tens of thousands of free books to kids throughout the Houston Community.¡±
As part of this collaboration, the Oxy Literacy Launcher will distribute books throughout the year at events taking place at various schools, youth organizations and city-owned baseball and softball fields that were renovated by the Astros Foundation¡¯s Community Leaders Program. To date, 34,000 free books have been distributed to children thus far in 2025.
¡°We are happy to partner with the Astros Foundation and the Friends of the Houston Public Library to enhance educational opportunities for children in our hometown of Houston¡± said Sam Lombardo, Oxy¡¯s Director of Community Relations & Employee Engagement. ¡°With the baseball-themed interactive features, the new Oxy Literacy Launcher will ignite a passion for reading that will benefit these young boys and girls and their families.¡±
FEATURES OF THE NEW OXY LITERACY LAUNCHER VEHICLE
-Brand new vehicle designed in partnership with Ekstensive Metal Works
-Vehicle wrap branding (designed by the Astros)
-Rear and side ramps for wheelchair accessibility
-Swing out TV inside the van that features fun reading and/or Astros stats
-Astroturf flooring
-A ballpark seat installed inside the van
-Built-in shelfing
-Special design on interior roof for Astros players to interact with/sign
-Special battery design to allow for air conditioning while vehicle at events during the hot summer months