DoSomething.org and Staples have teamed up with teen actress and recording artist Bella Thorne, for the 5th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive, to help kids in need.
The drive encourages local young people to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store at 742 New Los Angeles Ave., now through September 15.
All school supplies and donations will be given locally to the to ensure they get into the hands of disadvantaged youth just in time for the new school year.
"We have partnered with Staples for the past several years on this initiative, and we really appreciate their ongoing support and commitment to our kids," said Scott Mosher, chief professional officer of .
"One of the club's key outcome areas is the academic success of kids, and ensuring that kids start off the school year equipped with all the supplies they need is an important first step," said Mosher.
“I’m excited to help motivate fellow teens to make a difference in their communities,” said Bella Thorne. “There are so many kids in America who return to school without basic school supplies."
To kick-start the campaign, Staples will donate $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program this year. In addition, Staples customers can get involved by donating $1 or more at any Staples store, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local students in need.
Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country.
“We are truly inspired by what teens and our customers across the country can accomplish for the millions of children unable to afford basic school supplies,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president of retail marketing at Staples.
The Staples for Students campaign is offering easy, innovative and new ways for teens to get involved in this year’s programs:
- Request an Action Kit: Whether it’s summer camp, summer sports leagues, or at neighborhood block parties, students can get tips, resources and flyers on running their own school supply drives in their neighborhoods.
- Text SUPPLIES to 38383: Students will receive more information on how to begin their own school supply drive or find their nearest Staples drop-off location (standard text messaging rates apply).
- Raise Your Hand: Starting July 1, teens can raise a virtual hand to the cause by uploading photos and videos or sharing details through social media. For every “hand” raised, $1 will be donated by Staples (up to $10,000) to the cause.
“Here at DoSomething.org we don’t just say, we do,” said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org. “Actions speak louder than words and young people have the power to rock social change, really make a difference among their peers and take action in their very own communities.”
