Middletown Teens Asked to Collect School Supplies for the Boys Club and Girls Club

DoSomething.org and have teamed up with teen actress and recording artist Bella Thorne, for the 5th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive, to help kids in need (www.staplesforstudents.org). The drive encourages local young people to collect school supplies and drop them off at Staples on West Main Road now through September 15.

All school supplies and donations will be given locally to the Park-Holm Boys Club and Girls Club in Newport.

“I’m excited to help motivate fellow teens to make a difference in their communities,” said Bella Thorne.  “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.”

To kick-start the campaign, Staples will donate $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program this year.  In addition, Staples customers can get involved by donating $1 or more at any Staples store, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local students in need.  Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country.  Past celebrity influencers have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed and the cast of Pretty Little Liars.

“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 at 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.”

The Staples for Students campaign is offering easy, innovative and new ways for teens to get involved in this year’s programs.  By visiting www.staplesforstudents.org, teens can get all the information they need to take action.

• 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:  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. 

“Here at DoSomething.org we don’t just say, we do,” said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org.  “Actions speak louder than words, and we are determined to speak volumes when we team up with Staples for the 5th year on a campaign that gives young people the power to rock social change, really make a difference among their peers and take action in their very own communities.”