Staples, Inc. announced that every Dallas teacher-led project posted on DonorsChoose.org received full funding as part of Staples’ $1 million donation to DonorsChoose.org, a charity that has funded more than 700,000 classroom projects for teachers and has positively affected more than 18 million U.S. students.
As part of the Staples for Students program, Staples and Katy Perry continue to help teachers across the country this back-to-school season. Staples funded the balance of every teacher-led project listed on DonorsChoose.org in Dallas. With a donation of $185,155, Staples helped 212 teachers make more happen in local classrooms, impacting more than 33,000 students in the community.
For example, Mrs. Hatcher at W. E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy will receive nine Kindle Fires for students in her Advancement Via Individual Determination program. Many students in this program will be the first in their families to attend college and don’t have internet access in their homes. The Kindle Fires will give her students instant internet access in class in order to access information such as college and career research projects, information for tutorials and taking virtual tours of college campuses.
Katy Perry said, “When I teamed up with Staples in 2014, I learned firsthand how desperately teachers need our support, with many of them having to dig into their own pockets to provide simple tools that we would expect to already be available in our classrooms. So when Staples approached me again this year, I jumped at the opportunity because I saw the lasting effect our collaboration had on DonorsChoose.org and thousands of teachers and students. I believe in education as the foundation for a great life, so I want to make sure that students across the country are inspired by their teachers and are afforded opportunity to realize their dreams.”
Driven by insight from the Education Market Association that an estimated 99.5 percent of all public school teachers’ use their own money to equip their classrooms, Staples takes great pride in helping to alleviate some of the pressure placed upon teachers.
“We’re overjoyed to partner with Katy Perry again to highlight the impact teachers have on our children’s lives and the need to support classrooms,” said Frank P. Bifulco, Jr., executive vice president global marketing, Staples. “Knowing that teachers spend an average of more than $400 per year from their own pockets to better prepare their classrooms, Staples is committed to supporting DonorsChoose.org in order to help teachers and contribute to a fulfilling learning experience.”
Katy Perry and Staples have also collaborated to create a public service announcement that is currently airing nationwide, further increasing visibility around the need to celebrate and support teachers.
“We’re so thankful for the continued support from Staples and its loyal customers, as well as Katy Perry, which has helped bring classroom dreams to life for countless teachers and students nationwide,” said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org. “Staples’ million dollar donation to DonorsChoose.org will go a long way to helping educators across the country, like those supported today in Dallas.”
Donate in Stores or Snap to Help Local Teachers
Katy Perry has been helping Staples raise awareness of how easy it is to support teachers by making a $1 donation either in stores or online at www.StaplesForStudents.com, with proceeds funding DonorsChoose.org projects. Beginning in early August, every customer who donates in-store will receive a free, exclusive Katy Perry pencil, while supplies last.
Dallas residents can secure more donations for their local classrooms by using the Staples for Students Snapchat Geofilter. Beginning July 19 and running through July 21, every use of the Staples for Students Snapchat Geofilter will trigger a $1 donation (up to $5,000) from Staples to be used towards Dallas classroom projects on DonorsChoose.org. The Geofilter will be available for use in the Staples store in the Preston Forest Shopping Center (located at 11700 Preston Road, STE 720) and in the surrounding area.
Sponsored Geofilters allow brands to take part in Snaps sent between friends on Snapchat – a platform used by over 100 million people each day. When Snapchatters take a Snap in a certain area, they’ll be able to see a Geofilter and use it to explain where, when and why they took the Snap.
Win a $50,000 Scholarship and Chance to Meet Katy Perry
Now through September 10, 2016, fans who spend $25 or more in any Staples store will receive a unique entry code on their receipt to enter the sweepstakes online at www.StaplesForStudents.com.
One grand prize winner will win a $50,000 scholarship plus a trip for two to Los Angeles to meet global pop music star, Katy Perry. Four first prize winners and one guest each will also win air travel to Los Angeles and accommodations for two nights to meet Katy Perry at the VIP Winners Celebration.
Entries must be submitted before September 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM ET. Entrants must be 13 years or older.
