Staples, Inc. : Staples, DoSomething.org and Actress/Singer Bella Thorne Team Up with Teen Choice Celebrity Attendees to Help Kids in Need

5^th Annual Staples for Students School Supply Drive Benefits Students

Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) and DoSomething.org along with teen actress and recording artist Bella Thorne teamed up with celebrities including Harry Shum, Jr., Kendall and Kylie Jenner, JoJo, Kat Graham and teen volunteers to stuff backpacks with school supplies for Los Angeles-area students in need. The annual Staples for Students celebrity school supply drive at the Globe Theater at Universal followed yesterday's Teen Choice Awards. The event celebrated the season-long campaign that provides a chance for teens across the country to give back to their community.

"I am so excited to celebrate this awesome program with my fans and fellow celebrities with the help of Staples and DoSomething.org," said Bella Thorne. "It's an honor to be the face of this campaign, and I encourage everyone to get involved to collect supplies."

Led by Thorne, teen volunteers worked with celebrities to fill hundreds of backpacks with school essentials donated by Staples. As part of the fifth annual campaign partnering with DoSomething.org, Staples will also provide more than $125,000 worth of supplies to students nationwide to ensure they go back to school with the necessary supplies they need to succeed.

"The stars truly aligned for this important cause, and seeing these celebrities in action will motivate teens to make a difference," said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president of retail marketing at Staples. "Staples has a long history of supporting education and is truly inspired by the power of young people to improve local communities across the country."

Thorne also entertained guests with the first performance of her newest original single, "Can't Stay Away," with emerging boy-band IM5 followed by Elton John protégé, Tallia Storm, making her U.S. debut performance.

The Staples for Students campaign also features a public service announcement (PSA) starring Thorne airing on television and radio stations nationwide. Staples for Students continues to accept donations at all Staples stores nationwide through Sept. 15. Teens can get all of the information they need to take action by visiting www.staplesforstudents.org.

Since 2008, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. Past celebrity supporters have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed and the cast of Pretty Little Liars.

Staples supports educational and youth-oriented community efforts, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples and Staples Foundation have helped more than 6,000 organizations in 2,000 communities across 26 countries, including a national partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.

EDITORIAL NOTE: For HD video footage of the Staples for Students event, please download from this following link.

About DoSomething.org:

We love teens. They are creative, active, wired...and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn't require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

About Staples:

Staples is the world's largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50349668&lang=en

Staples
Karen Pevenstein, 508-253-0879
karen.pevenstein@staples.com

Partner Area