Contact: Kathleen Campbell, Campbell Public Relations, 719-540-6022, kcampbell@thecompletesolution.com

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Vacation Bible School (VBS) is just around the corner and David C. Cook, a leader in Christian Education since 1875, has put an innovative new twist on this all time favorite evangelistic outreach tool. 

"The idea was born after listening to churches as well as retailers," says Marilyn Largent, Senior Director of Trade Sales with David C. Cook.  "Many times the initial purchase of VBS materials is made early in the year, before churches begin their Summer VBS programs," Largent continues.  "Purchasing ancillary product at the time they order the kits doesn't make sense for the consumer, but ordering additional product online is lost revenue for the bookstore. We have developed a simple solution that will benefit both the customer and the retailer."

Here's how it works.

Each VBS tin will be labeled on the bottom with a special promo code--a personal ID.   Between now and August 1, 2009, retailers who order VBS kits from David C. Cook will be given specific instructions for registering the kits they receive. 

When each customer orders more VBS materials, such as additional student books, a banner, or other ancillary products online, they will be asked to enter the same promo code on the bottom of their VBS tin. That promo code will give the customer free freight and allow David C. Cook to match the purchase with the store that sold the kit. David C. Cook will credit that store 20% of the retail purchase. It's that simple.

"Though we highly recommend that stores stock the ancillary product," says Largent, "the owners will now be equipped to capture an additional 20% of sales that normally would be lost to them through online purchases. This is just one of many ways that David C. Cook is working to better serve the retailer and the consumer."

Founded in 1875, David C Cook is a leading nonprofit discipleship resource provider based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  For more than 130 years, David C Cook has served the Global Church with life transforming materials from best-selling books and curriculum, to toys and games and small group resources.  With additional offices in Elgin, Illinois, as well as Paris, Ontario, Canada and Eastbourne, UK, David C Cook is a global organization whose resources are published in more than 150 languages, distributed in more than 80 countries, and sold worldwide through retail stores, catalogs, and online.  Through David C Cook's music division, Kingsway, over 30% of the top 500 praise and worship songs written by Kingsway artists are sung in churches around the world.  For more information visit David C. Cook on the Internet at www.davidccook.com.