ASTROS FOUNDATION INTRODUCES NEW OXY LITERACY LAUNCHER
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