Staples, BGCA recruit teen actor to help kids in need
Staples and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have brought teen actor Jake T. Austin on board for the 6th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive.
Austin will be featured in the campaign’s public service announcement, now available online and airing on television and radio stations starting next month.
“I’m so excited to team up with Staples and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for this great cause,” said Austin. “I can’t imagine starting school without the right supplies, so I’m rallying fellow teens to help make a difference in their communities by making sure students have the essential supplies they need to succeed.”
From Sunday, June 30 to Saturday, September 28, Staples customers can donate $1 or more at any Staples store, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting local students. Each Staples store will be matched with a local Boys & Girls Club which will receive the donation to benefit youth who attend the club in time for the new school year. To kick-start the campaign, Staples is donating $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program this year which will be distributed to Boys & Girls Club youth in need.
Since 2008, the campaign has raised nearly $3 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. Past celebrity supporters have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed, the cast of Pretty Little Liars and Bella Thorne.
“It’s amazing to see teens and customers rally together each year to give back to their local communities through Staples for Students,” said Alison Corcoran, SVP stores and online marketing, Staples. “Working with Jake T. Austin and Boys & Girls Clubs, we can help ensure that students across the country start the year off right in the classroom.”
Staples is also leveraging social media to reach out to more people. Starting in early July, the company is encouraging teens to visit the Staples for Students Facebook page where Jake will take followers through a series of interactive missions to help drive donations. As missions are completed, teens will be rewarded with donations on their behalf to Boys & Girls Clubs, coupons for school supplies and opportunities to participate in sweepstakes.
There are 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in communities nationwide serving nearly 4 million youth ages 6-18 by providing a safe and productive place for young people during the after-school timeframe. Clubs offer caring mentors and programming that help youth, many of whom come from disadvantaged circumstances, advance in the areas of education, health and wellness and develop character and leadership skills.
“A core focus of our mission is to enable youth to be successful throughout school and follow a career or educational plan post-high school to become productive and responsible citizens,” said Kimberly Boyd, VP, program training and youth development services for BGCA. “Partnerships and programs like the Staples for Students national school supply drive provide critical support for Clubs and youth so they have the resources needed to do well in school and create a path to a great future."