School Supply Drive to Benefit Students

DoSomething.org and Staples are teaming up to provide needed back-to-school items for students in metro Atlanta, according to a press release. 

As part of the fifth annual Staples for Students national school supply drive, teens are encouraged to collect the school supplies and donate them at their local Staples.

"Actions speak louder than words, and we are determined to speak volumes when we team up with Staples for the fifth year on a campaign that gives young people the power to rock social change, really make a difference among their peers and take action in their very own communities," said Nancy Lublin, of DoSomething.org.

The drive takes place now through September 15. In Snellville, items may be dropped off . Patrons also may donate $1 or more, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting metro Atlanta students. 

The donated items specifically will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, so disadvantaged have what they need when school starts.

“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, in a press release.

To kick-start the campaign this year, Staples is donating $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program, according to a press release from DoSomething.org.

Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. 

Teen singer Bella Thorne is the celebrity spokesperson, and she follows others, including Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed and the cast of Pretty Little Liars, who have helped with the campaign.

“I’m excited to help motivate fellow teens to make a difference in their communities,” said Bella Thorne, in a press release.  “There are so many kids in America who return to school without basic school supplies, and I’m thrilled to team up with Staples and DoSomething.org to encourage teens to lend a hand.”

Here are some ideas from on how teens can get involved:

• Request an action kit: These kits give students tips, resources and flyers on running their own school supply drives in their neighborhoods. (Visit www.staplesforstudents.org.)
• Text SUPPLIES to 38383:  Students will receive more information on how to begin their own school supply drive or where the nearest Staples drop-off location (standard text messaging rates apply).
• Go virtual:  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. 

(Editor's Note: This article is taken from a press release.)