LOS ANGELES & FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teen Actor Jake T. Austin shared the spotlight with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Staples last night to kick off a national school supply drive. Jake, joined by Bella Thorne, Greg Sulkin of Wizards of Waverly Place and Pretty Little Liars, and Garrett Clayton and Mollee Gray of Teen Beach Movie, filled bags with school supplies during the 6th Annual Staples for Students celebrity school supply drive in Universal City following yesterday’s Teen Choice Awards. The teen actor is also starring in this year’s public service announcement (PSA) airing on television and radio stations nationwide.
“It’s really exciting to be part of a campaign like Staples for Students, which helps make such difference in students’ lives,” said Jake T. Austin. “Teens getting involved can make a big difference and by rallying together we can make an even bigger impact in the community.”
Last night’s event was the first of many school supply drives taking place across the country. Teens can purchase and donate supplies at their nearest Staples store now through August 18, and Staples will put the supplies in the hands of local Boys & Girls Club members. Staples customers can also continue to donate $1 or more at their local Staples store through September 28. The company kicked off the drive with a $125,000 donation in July and 100 percent of the overall proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Club youth in time for the upcoming school year.
"While more than 1 million American youth fail to graduate from high school each year, the truth is that many of them are falling behind before they even get started. They need basic supplies, like pens and notebooks, but they also need quality after-school programming," said Kimberly Boyd, vice president, program training & 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."
“Year after year, the teens who participate in Staples for Students are true role models for their peers, giving back to their communities,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president North American stores and online marketing, Staples. “As the Back to School leader for nearly three decades, Staples knows the importance of starting the year off with the right tools to be successful, and this campaign makes it easy to help students across the country.”
Teens are also encouraged to spread the word on social media, by visiting the Staples for Students Facebook page where Jake takes 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 BGCA, coupons for school supplies and opportunities to participate in exciting sweepstakes.
Since 2008, the Staples for Students campaign has raised nearly $3 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. Past celebrity influencers have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed, the cast of Pretty Little Liars and Bella Thorne.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
About Staples
Staples is the world’s largest office products company and second largest internet retailer. For 27 years, Staples has served the needs of business customers and its vision is to provide every product businesses need to succeed. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples offers office supplies, technology products and services, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, copy and print services and a wide range of other product categories. With thousands of associates worldwide dedicated to making it easy for businesses of all sizes, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com. Follow Staples on Twitter at http://twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.
About Jake T. Austin
Whether appearing on TV/film, or lending his voice to animated characters, Jake T. Austin is a multitalented actor who has showcased his talent across the board in the entertainment industry. Best known for his role of ‘Max Russo’ on the multi Emmy Award winning Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” Jake will next be seen starring in ABC Family’s “The Fosters,” opposite Teri Polo and Sherri Saum. The hour-long drama from executive producer Jennifer Lopez is set to premiere on June 3. On the big screen, Jake was last seen in Garry Marshall’s “New Year’s Eve,” starring opposite Abigail Breslin and Sarah Jessica Parker, and will next be seen in “Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,” starring opposite Joel Courtney, as ‘Huck.’ Additionally, Jake will reprise his role of ‘Fernando’ in the animated 20th Century FOX’s “Rio 2,” which will be released in April 2014. A driven and talented young actor, Jake is equally committed to using his public profile to raise awareness for those less fortunate, supporting and devoting his free time to the Ronald McDonald House New York, as its first-ever Youth Spokesperson.
