Teen Actress Bella Thorne Joins Staples and DoSomething.org for Staples for Students National School Supply Drive

Published on Wednesday, 06 June 2012 08:46 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

NEW YORK & FRAMINGHAM, Mass.-( Business Wire )-

DoSomething.org and Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) are teaming up with teen actress and recording artist Bella Thorne, for the 5^th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive, to help kids in need (www.staplesforstudents.org). The drive encourages young people to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store starting July 1 through September 15.

Bella will lend her impactful voice to spread the word for this initiative through the campaign’s public service announcement (PSA) now available online and airing on television and radio stations starting next month.

“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, and I’m thrilled to team up with Staples and DoSomething.org to encourage teens to lend a hand.”

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. Each Staples store will be matched to a local educational non-profit organization. DoSomething.org and Staples will ensure that all the donations get to these partners in time for the new school year.

Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. Past celebrity influencers have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed and the cast of Pretty Little Liars.

“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. “With help from celebrities like Bella Thorne and support from DoSomething.org, we can send kids back to school with the tools they need to succeed.”

The Staples for Students campaign is offering easy, innovative and new ways for teens to get involved in this year’s programs. By visiting www.staplesforstudents.org, teens can get all the information they need to take action.

• 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 we are determined to speak volumes when we team up with Staples for the 5^th 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.”

About DoSomething.org:

We love teens. They are creative, active, wired…and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn’t require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

About Staples:

Staples is the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

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StaplesKaren Pevenstein, 508-253-0879karen.pevenstein@staples.comorCarrie McElwee, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.