FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) announced that it funded 176 local classroom projects in New York City, as part of its recent $10 million pledge to Think It Up™, a new national initiative of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that seeks to inaugurate a new movement in support of students, teachers and schools, helping to create a culture of excitement about learning everywhere in America. This fall, Think It Up, in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, will launch a platform to fund student-powered, teacher-led learning projects in classrooms across the country.
Actress and Think It Up ambassador Vanessa Williams attended the announcement in support of New York City’s students and teachers. “Both of my parents were teachers, so I’ve seen firsthand how much teachers give to help their students achieve success,” Williams said. “I’m thrilled that Think It Up, together with DonorsChoose.org and Staples, is taking this opportunity to give back to the teachers of New York City Public Schools and all of the students whose lives they will impact this school year.”
Since its founding in 2000, DonorsChoose.org has helped fund more than 236,000 classroom projects for teachers and impacted more than 14 million students. Today, in New York, Staples fully funded every 9th-12th grade project on DonorsChoose.org in New York City Public Schools. More than $173,000 was donated to help 132 teachers fulfill classroom needs and helped 25,858 students across 93 schools in New York City Public Schools.
“We’re thrilled to fund all of the 9th-12th grade projects in New York City Public Schools and to work with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Think It Up initiative and DonorsChoose.org to ensure classrooms have the supplies and resources they need,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online, Staples. “Through our Staples for Students program, we’re proud to build on our rich history of supporting education with our $10 million pledge to Think It Up that will make a difference in America’s classrooms.”
A recent survey conducted by Staples found almost three-quarters of parents agree that teachers in their communities inspire their students. Additionally, the survey revealed that 76 percent agree that a lack of school supplies is a significant challenge for schools today. Most teachers spend more than $400 of their own money each year to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms.
"We are so grateful to Staples for their support of teachers and students through Think It Up," said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. "Their incredible gesture today will ensure that New York City teachers won't have to dig as deep into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies, and that students will have the materials they need to start the school year right.”
The flash funding in New York is part of Staples’ $10 million pledge to Think It Up which will inspire students to pursue their passions by working on collaborative learning projects. To help support the Think It Up movement, customers can donate one dollar at a Staples store near them or visit www.thinkitup.org to learn more.
“EIF is truly grateful to Staples for joining Think It Up as its lead corporate donor, and helping New York City Public Schools get the school year off to a terrific start illustrates how deeply committed the company is to ensuring students and teachers have what they need to create learning experiences that make a genuine impact and prepare students for future success,” said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
About Staples
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and break room supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About Staples for Students
Staples has a long history of supporting students, teachers and classrooms. Staples for Students is an ongoing campaign that helps students and teachers with the school supplies and essential items needed for a successful education. The Staples for Students campaign includes school supply donations, support for teachers in classrooms, donations for education projects, classroom initiatives and the sale of products that give back to communities and classrooms in need.
About DonorsChoose.org
Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. At this nonprofit website, teachers at half of all the public schools in America have created project requests and more than a million people have donated $330 million to projects that inspire them. All told, over 14 million students—most from low-income communities, and many in disaster-stricken areas—have received books, art supplies, field trips, technology and other resources that they need to learn.
About The Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), established in 1942, harnesses the collective power of the entire industry to generate awareness and funds for critical health, educational and social issues. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), EIF’s largest initiative, helps accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly. Since its founding seven years ago, SU2C has launched 16 collaborative “Dream Teams” comprising over 940 scientists from 123 leading institutions around the world. That research, including 151 planned, initiated or completed clinical trials, has led to Food and Drug Administration approval of two new treatments. In just 15 months, Hunger Is, EIF’s collaboration with The Safeway Foundation, has significantly raised awareness of childhood hunger in the United States and over $10 Million to support breakfast, afterschool and out-of-school meal programs.
