A total of $2.5 Million in Donations Offered Across the Country
Office Depot, Inc. recently distributed over $2.5 million in school supplies to help tens of thousands of students and teachers go “Back to School Proud” this year through philanthropic programs focused on empowering education and supporting schools in underserved communities.
Through its Start Proud!® community investment program, Office Depot donated more than 18,000 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies, valued collectively at over $1.5 million, to students at 18 Title I elementary schools nationwide. One esteemed teacher at each of the selected schools was also recognized with over $1,500 worth of premium supplies, including a computer and classroom furniture. Office Depot’s Start Proud!® initiative was created to make a substantial difference in the lives of students, parents and teachers at Title I schools, by ensuring they receive the supplies they need to succeed throughout the school year. Since launching the program in 2018, the company has donated nearly 40,000 fully stocked backpacks and distributed more than 100 pallets of classroom supplies – enough to fill four semi-trailer trucks – to schools throughout the country.
“Office Depot is committed to championing education and helping students and teachers thrive in the communities we serve by providing them with the supplies and resources they need to be successful,” said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer for Office Depot, Inc. “Since launching the Start Proud!® program in 2018 with 10 Title I beneficiary schools, we’re pleased to have expanded our reach by 80% for the 2019-2020 school year.”
Office Depot also leveraged its retail footprint of approximately 1,300 Office Depot® and OfficeMax® store locations to provide customers with the opportunity to give back to their communities through an in-store school supply drive. Through the generosity of its customers, Office Depot donated over $1.2 million in school supplies to Title I schools across the country.
Customers can help to support schools year-round through Office Depot’s Give Back to Schools Program. To participate, customers simply make a purchase of qualifying school supplies in-store, online at OfficeDepot.com, or by phone at 1-800-GO-DEPOT (800-463-3768) and provide the school’s name or ID at checkout. The designated school will then receive 5% back in credits for free supplies. Office Depot has issued more than $32.5 million in credits, since the program began in 2002.
