Do Something 101: Atlanta Teens to Collect School Supplies for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Grammy® Winning Singer-Songwriter, Ciara, Teams Up with DoSomething.org and Staples in 2nd Annual National School Supply Drive

July 8, 2009

DoSomething.org and Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) are teaming up for the 2nd annual national Do Something 101 Supply Drive. Joining them to support the cause and collect school supplies is Grammy® Winning singer-songwriter, Ciara.

As part of Do Something 101 (www.dosomething101.org), Ciara is encouraging Atlanta teens to make a difference this summer by collecting school supplies and dropping them off at their nearest Staples store, from July 5 through September 19. In addition, Staples customers can get involved by donating $1 at any Staples store with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local teens in need.

All school supplies and donations will be given locally to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, an educational and not-for-profit organization that serves disadvantaged youth.

"The Do Something 101 campaign is such a great cause. I can’t imagine going to school without pencils, notebooks and other basic supplies,” said Ciara.  “Every little bit counts and, through Do Something 101, the more we can get these essential products to teens, the more we help kids stay in school and excel even further. I look forward to working with DoSomething.org and Staples to spread the word!"

 To help kick-off the campaign, Ciara is starring in a public service announcement (PSA) that will air on television and radio stations nationwide through September, and Staples is donating more than $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program.

“The feedback from teen volunteers and recipients during our inaugural school supply drive in 2008 was inspiring,” said Demos Parneros, president of U.S. stores at Staples.  “With help from celebrities like Ciara, we will continue to raise awareness for underserved youth in local communities who need the basic supplies to succeed in school.”

Atlanta teens who want to get involved can go to www.DoSomething101.org for ideas on how to run local school supply drives.  Whether holding a school supply drive at summer camp, during a summer sports league, or at a neighborhood block party, DoSomething.org and Staples offer tips, resources, and flyers on how to get started and make the most of every teen’s summer.  

 “DoSomething.org is all about encouraging teens to take action in their own communities. We’re proud to be spearheading a campaign for the second year, with the help of Staples, that allows young people to really make a difference among their peers,” said Nancy Lublin, chief executive officer of DoSomething.org.

Staples locations benefiting BGCMA:

About DoSomething.org:
DoSomething.org believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. We leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action.  We inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers:  teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.dosomething.org.

About Staples:
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world's leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 30 Clubs in 13 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information or to make a promise to metro Atlanta children, please visit http://www.bgcma.org