Sun Journal

School supply drive gears up for fall

For the second year, Staples is teaming up with DoSomething.org in support of the Do Something 101 school supply drive. In this year’s drive, the company’s store in New Bern has partnered with The Cherry Tree House, an educational and nonprofit organization that serves disadvantaged youth, located at MCAS Cherry Point. The store’s general manager, Kevin Allin, is glad that the company has continued to support the cause. “DoSomething.org is a national campaign to get folks to give back to their communities and to give local youth a jump start on education so that they can be more successful in life,” Allin said. People can donate to the drive at their local Staples location through Sept. 19. Both physical and monetary donations are accepted; customers can bring supplies to drop off at the store, or they can make $1 donations. New or unused supplies are preferred. “If we receive something that looks worn, we don’t send it off to be donated,” Allin said. Staples itself is donating more than $125,000 worth of school supplies to the cause. DoSomething.org focuses on getting youth to make differences in communities. “We’re trying to get teens and younger adults involved with the cause,” Allin said. “Staples has teamed up with Ciara in the drive. A celebrity can help get the word out to the youth of America.” This year, Allin is glad to work with The Cherry Tree House. In the previous year’s drive, the store had been affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America. “I’m excited that we are teamed up with the Cherry Tree House now because it is very local, and we know that the supplies we donate will benefit local kids,” Allin said. “The Boys and Girls Club is a great cause, but when we worked with them, it felt more distant.” Allin encourages teenagers to become actively involved in the cause. He suggests that those interested go to DoSomething.org and learn more about Do Something 101. “They can also help by starting their own school supply drives, and by supporting this one,” Allin said.

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