OfficeMax makes a day better for teachers

NAPERVILLE, Ill. OfficeMax will again join with Adopt-A-Classroom to surprise and honor teachers across the country for the annual 'A Day Made Better' event in an effort to raise awareness about the widespread problem of teacher-funded classrooms. This year's 'A Day Made Better' cause event will be hosted on Oct. 6 when OfficeMax associates will visit approximately 1,000 public schools to surprise about 1,000 teachers each with a gift of classroom supplies worth approximately $1,000.

"Teachers play such an important role supporting, inspiring and educating our country's future generation, and it's unfair that teachers should have to bear the costs of also supplying their classrooms with everyday supplies," said Ryan Vero, EVP and chief marketing officer for OfficeMax. "Through 'A Day Made Better,' we're creating a movement to end teacher-funded classrooms."

OfficeMax is working with Adopt-A-Classroom to identify Title I public schools where classroom needs are great with a significant number of students from low-income families. Principals at selected schools will have the opportunity to nominate one teacher to be honored during 'A Day Made Better' 2009.

"School budget cuts are of great concern to teachers across the country who worry about being able to support their classrooms with the supplies and learning resources needed for the 2009/10 school year," said Jamie Rosenberg, founder and executive director of Adopt-A-Classroom. "I'm proud to continue with OfficeMax in their efforts to support teachers and hope this year's event will serve as a wake-up call to the public to get involved and help teachers make ends meet in the classroom. Teachers need our help now more than ever."