Staples supports Crayons to Classrooms

Crayons to Classrooms, the program begun in 2009 to provides area schools with free classroom supplies, has gained a national partner in Staples.

“Staples across the country identified local programs to support in their annual Staples for Students Back-to-School campaign, and Staples’ district manager Kim Free nominated us,” said Steve Rubenstein, executive director of Crayons to Classrooms. “She came and saw our operation, then had me present at a meeting for the Back-to-School program, and we recently found out we’d been selected as the local partner.”

At all area Staples, including the Centerville, Huber Heights, Troy and Moraine stores, people can contribute money at their point-of-sale, or student groups can collect school supplies and take them to a Staples store, or can pick up extras when they’re doing their own school shopping and add them to a container in each store.

The Staples for Students Back-to-School project is aimed at teen groups through its Do Something drive, “but it’s a bit of a challenge to rally teen groups now since they aren’t in school yet,” said Rubenstein, who notes that Crayons to Classrooms is hoping to have its first opportunity for teachers on August 9.

“Teachers from identified schools typically come twice a year on a rotating schedule. Last year, we served 38 schools in Montgomery County, mostly Dayton public and charter schools. We’re adding four schools this year, and are hoping to expand to Northridge, Jefferson Township, West Carrollton and other school districts.”

The Staples for Students school supply drive began July 1 and will run through September 15, and Rubenstein’s hoping that scout, church, and other teen groups will get on board before Crayons to Classrooms opens its doors for the first teacher shopping spree.

Interested groups can go to DoSomething.org to learn more about how they can help, or can simply take donations of supplies or money to their local Staples store.

All monies and supplies donated go directly to the store at 1511 Kuntz Road.

“We’re very fortunate for this relationship, since Staples across the country are affiliating with other charities,” said Rubenstein.

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