Hanes Imagewear Partners with Box Tops for Education®

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hanes Imagewear, a major supplier of T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts to the decorated apparel industry, and Box Tops for Education today announced a new partnership that will enable schools across the United States to earn valuable Box Tops when they order Hanes products for their class shirts, school uniforms and school events. The exclusive partnership is open to the more than 69,000 U.S. schools participating in the Box Tops for Education program and includes all Hanes T-shirt styles as well as polo shirts and sweatshirts.

“The education market is very important to our industry, and what a wonderful way to give back through the Box Tops program.”

“Our partnership with Box Tops is a great way for Hanes to show its support for teachers and schools across the country, especially in these times when many schools are facing significant cutbacks in their funding,” said John Marsh, senior vice president/general manager of Hanes Imagewear. “The education market is very important to our industry, and what a wonderful way to give back through the Box Tops program.”

Box Tops for Education is a nationwide fundraising program for K-8 schools that encourages students to collect Box Tops off a variety of products from breakfast cereals to office supplies. Box Tops coordinators at each of the 69,000 participating schools send in the Box Tops and receive cash for their schools. Established by General Mills in 1996, the Box Tops for Education program has helped schools earn more than $375 million.

“Box Tops for Education is excited to have Hanes Imagewear joining us as a partner,” said Eric Jensen, promotion marketing manager, Box Tops for Education. “Our Box Tops volunteers are incredibly passionate about this program to generate much-needed funds for school supplies and equipment.”

Hanes is promoting the program, called Hanes4Education, with creative mailings going to all 69,000 participating Box Tops for Education schools letting them know how ordering Hanes products for spiritwear and printed T-shirts can earn them valuable Box Tops. A new website, www.Hanes4Education.com, is also available for schools to get additional information and download forms.

The Hanes4Education program is specifically designed for school orders of printed T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts purchased in bulk through suppliers. Individually purchased Hanes products such as underwear, socks and T-shirts do not qualify.

“The great news for decorated apparel suppliers is that Hanes4Education requires absolutely no additional work on their part because the limited paperwork is handled by the school volunteers,” said Marsh. “Our intention with Hanes4Education is that suppliers will have the opportunity to increase their school business as we promote Hanes as a new Box Tops partner. It’s also a great way for suppliers to show their support in the community.”

Hanes Imagewear is involving suppliers by sending them Hanes4Education point-of-sale materials such as window clings identifying themselves as supporting local schools through the program.

The Hanes4Education program begins immediately, so all orders of Hanes decorated apparel dated as of March 1, 2011, qualify for Box Tops.

About Hanes Imagewear

Hanes Imagewear is a major supplier of T-shirts, sportshirts and sweatshirts to the decorated apparel industry under the Hanes, Beefy-T, Champion and Outer Banks labels. Hanes Imagewear is part of Hanesbrands Inc., a leading marketer of innerwear, outerwear and hosiery apparel under strong consumer brands.

About HanesBrands

HanesBrands (NYSE:HBI) is a socially responsible leading marketer of everyday basic apparel under some of the world’s strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, JMS/Just My Size, barely there, Wonderbra and Gear For Sports. The company sells T-shirts, bras, panties, men’s underwear, children’s underwear, socks, hosiery, casualwear and activewear produced in the company’s low-cost global supply chain. Hanes has approximately 55,000 employees in more than 25 countries and takes pride in its strong reputation for ethical business practices. More information about the company and its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including environmental, social compliance and community improvement achievements, may be found on the Hanes corporate website at www.hanesbrands.com. Hanes is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2010 Energy Star Partner of the Year and ranks No. 91 on Newsweek magazine’s Top 500 greenest U.S. company rankings.