A national school supplies drive is collecting donations at the Staples in Grosse Pointe for disadvantaged youth.
Staples for Students, which is a collaboration between DoSomething.org, Staples and recording artist Bella Thorne, kicked off on July 1 and will continue through Sept. 15. Grosse Pointe is one of several Michigan towns with a drop off location. Staples locations in Rochester, Dearborn, Bloomfield Hills, Brighton, Clawson and West Bloomfield will also be collecting school supplies.
School supplies collected at the Grosse Pointe Staples will go to James & Lynelle Holden Club, which is one of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan located in Detroit.
The national initiative is in its fifth year and has raised more than $2 million since its inception.
"I’m excited to help motivate fellow teens to make a difference in their communities," Thorne said in a press release. "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."
Staples kicked off the campaign by donating $25,000 in school supplies to the national campaign. Staples customers can support the cause by donating $1 or more at the store.
While anyone can donate to the campaign, organizers are encouraging young people to donate supplies.
"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,” Staples Senior Vice Presidnent of Retail Marketing Alison Corcoran said in a press release. "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."
Staples also provides the following tips for teens who would like to support the cause. Visit www.staplesforstudents.org for more information.
- 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.
