Run a Drive | Do Something

Tips for Your Drive

First things first: Do some research so you know exactly what kind of supplies people in your area really need
Get the all clear: You don’t want to get on your principal’s bad side so first make sure that he or she is okay with running an awesome drive for charity.
Get EVERYONE on board: You don’t want to do this alone so recruit all your friends, your teammates, people in your classes, etc to help you out. Pull the guilt trip if you have to - hey, it’s for a good cause!
Make it Easy: People are more likely to help if they don’t have to do much work, so offer to pick up the school supplies at their house or set up a school supplies collection bin in the front of your school or in the lunchroom. Make sure everyone knows what supplies you’re looking for. Check out our list of the 11 most-needed supplies.
1. Pens (blue, black and red)
2. 3-ring Binders
3. Box of Colored Pencils
4. Loose-leaf Paper
5. Book Covers
6. Spiral Notebooks
7. #2 Pencils
8. Highlighters
9. Index Cards
10. Pocket Folders
11. Box of Washable Markers
Spread the word: You need to market your drive. Make posters and flyers and use your creative energy to decorate the drop-off boxes. You can even put it on t-shirts, pants, whatever! The more people know, the more school supplies you’ll get.
Use your lungs: Ask if you can make an announcement over the PA system, during morning announcements or homeroom. Or use your big mouth during lunch, in between periods or at halftime of a basketball game and shout out the cause.
Document your drive: Take pics of all the school supplies you’ve collected and all the fun things you made for the drive. Upload your pics and you’ll be featured on the Do Something site.
Challenge the Seniors: or the freshmen or the juniors...Have classes or homerooms compete to see who can collect the most. Or have your teachers agree to do crazy things if you hit certain goals. Just make it fun!
Close it down: Officially end the drive by posting how many school supplies you collected in the main lobby or lunchroom and give special thanks to everyone who chipped in.
Donate the Supplies: Do some research to find a local organization in your area that is need of school supplies. Or wait until Summer 2010 when we'll be accepting school supplies at Staples stores once again.
Report Back: Don’t forget to let Do Something know all about your drive Submit your drive and all your awesome photos on the Do Something Projects page at DoSomething.org/projects.

Questions? Email SchoolSupplies<at>DoSomething.org

Want More Information? Check out these Action Guides and Tip Sheets below:

What is Do Something 101?

Launched by DoSomething.org and Staples, Do Something 101 is a national school supply drive that benefits underserved youth. Now in its second year, the campaign encourages teens to collect school supplies for their community.

When can I drop off supplies?

You can drop off school supplies at any Staples store throughout the United States from July 5th through September 19th. DoSomething.org and Staples will make sure they get to local students who need them the most.

Do the supplies have to be new?

Yes. Think about school supplies you would want to receive. However, if it is something you bought awhile ago and never used, but is still in good condition, that is acceptable as well.

Can I donate money to the cause?

Yes. The main focus of the campaign is on collecting supplies but if you have parents, friends, teachers, etc who want to get involved, they can participate by donating $1 at any Staples store in the U.S.

Where do the supplies go after I donate them at Staples?

Every Staples store is paired with a local non-profit organization that supports children and education. Visit your local Staples store to learn more about your local beneficiary.

Is Staples donating any school supplies?

Absolutely! Staples is generously donating more than $125,000 worth of school supplies to the cause.

What is Staples?

Staples is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples is available at www.staples.com.

What is DoSomething.org?

DoSomething.org believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. We leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. It is our aim to inspire, empower and celebrate generation doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done and then take action. Get started at DoSomething.org.

I have more questions, whom should I contact?

We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Aria Finger, chief marketing officer at DoSomething.org, via email at SchoolSupplies<at>DoSomething.org.

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Tips for Your Drive