Local Staples Leads Drive for School Supplies

has joined forces with DoSomething.org to lead the Staples for Students National School Supply Drive to benefit children in need.

With the help of teen actress/singer Bella Thorne, the two organizations are promoting the cause by encouraging young people across the nation to gather and donate school supplies. Local Staples stores are collecting materials until Sept. 15.

Staples started the campaign by donating $125,000 worth of supplies to the program and by getting customers involved. For the duration of the program, patrons can donate $1 or more at any store, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit local students in need. Since the program’s inception in 2008, the campaign has raised over $2 million for underprivileged students across the United States.

The local collection point is the Staples at 270 Upland Square Drive in Pottstown. All supplies and donations made at that location will be given to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County, which includes a Pottstown chapter, based out of the Richard J. Ricketts Center located at 640 Beech Street.

“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,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president of retail marketing for Staples. “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.”

For more information on the Staples for Students National School Supply Drive, visit www.staplesforstudents.org. If you have any questions about making donations at the Upland Square location, call 610-327-5803 and ask for the manager on duty.