As part of United Way’s global Day of Action, hundreds of associate volunteers are fueling a love for reading among local young children
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2016-Jun-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third consecutive year, Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) will partner with United Way locations across North America, including Boston, St. Louis, Seattle and Denver, to stuff literacy kits for children. This is all part of the United Way’s annual Day of Action on June 21. Hundreds ofStaples volunteers in 13 locations will stuff more than 1,000 literacy kits, up from 11 locations and just under 1,000 kits last year, and up from only 6 locations and 600 kits in 2014, clearly showing the program’s appeal and growth.
All kits are being provided by Staples Promotional Products and include: two books, crayons, a coloring book and corresponding activities that reinforce the story to help improve literacy among young children. Staples associates will decorate and assemble the kits for children with limited access to books and the local United Way will facilitate distribution to families in need.
“Staples is focused on improving education in the communities in which we live and work,” said John Burke, Chief Culture Officer, Staples. “By inspiring children in numerous locations across the United States and Canada to love reading, Staples is doing its part to add to the global impact of United Way’s Day of Action.”
United Way’s Day of Action mobilizes the caring power of volunteers to make a meaningful impact in more than 300 communities around the world. Volunteers of all ages come together to create positive change for themselves, their families and their communities. Last year, more than 385 United Ways in 49 states and 21 countries mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers in their communities on Day of Action.
“We’re excited to partner with Staples for the third consecutive year on Day of Action to raise the literacy rates of young children,” said Evan Hochberg, Chief Strategy Officer, United Way Worldwide. “We are grateful to all of the Staples employees who are dedicating their time and energy to create these literacy kits which will help kids keep reading throughout the summer.”
While each United Way creates meaningful activities centered on specific challenges, this year’s national focus is on summer learning and nutrition. Summer is a critical time for children’s academic and physical well-being, but in too many communities, kids are falling behind and going hungry during the summer months. Boosting summer learning – and working with schools, summer programs, employers and other nonprofits – is part of United Way’s strategy to help kids succeed in school, work and life.
About Staples, Inc.
Staples retail stores and Staples.com help small business customers make more happen by providing a broad assortment of products, expanded business services and easy ways to shop, all backed with a lowest price guarantee. Staples offers businesses the convenience to shop and buy how and when they want – in store, online, via mobile or though social apps. Staples.com customers can either buy online and pick-up in store or ship for free from Staples.com with Staples Rewards minimum purchase. Expanded services also make it easy for businesses to succeed with in-store Business Centers featuring shipping services and products, copying, scanning, faxing and computer work stations, Tech Services, full-service Print & Marketing Services, Staples Merchant Services, small business lending and credit services.
Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the-art ecommerce site. Staples Business Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America,Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About Staples Community and Giving
Staples contributes to educational and job-related community efforts with a primary focus on disadvantaged youth, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples has helped thousands of organizations in 26 countries. For more information, visit http://www.staples.com/community.
Source: Staples, Inc.
Staples, Inc.
Becky Sail, 508-253-2933
rebecca.sail@staples.com