Office Depot has donated over $2.5 million (€2.24 million) in supplies to underserved schools nationwide across the USA.
Office Depot, Inc. recently distributed over $2.5 million (€2.24 million) in school supplies to help tens of thousands of students and teachers go “Back to School Proud” this year through philanthropic programmes focused on empowering education and supporting schools in underserved communities.
Through its ‘Start Proud!’ community investment programme, Office Depot donated more than 18,000 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies, valued collectively at over $1.5 million (€1.34 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 (€1,346) 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, the company explained. Since launching the programme 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! programme in 2018 with ten Title I beneficiary schools, we’re pleased to have expanded our reach by 80 percent 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 (€1.07 million) in school supplies to Title I schools across the country.
