School supply drive inspires teens to give

Donated school supplies will be given to the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown.

Staff Report

BOARDMAN — Pop star and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks has teamed with Do Something.org, the organization that empowers teens to take action in their communities, and Staples Inc., in asking township teens to make a difference this summer.

The Do Something 101 campaign, www.dosomething101.com, encourages teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store through Aug. 31, to ensure they get into the hands of deserving students.

Staples is kick-starting the campaign by donating $50,000 in school supplies to the cause. In addition, Staples customers can get involved by donating $2 at any Staples store location, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local teens in need.

All school supplies and donations will be given locally to the Boys Girls Club of Youngstown, an educational and not-for-profit organization that serves disadvantaged youth.

Supplies may be dropped off at Staples, 1260 Doral Drive.

“By teaming up with Do Something and most importantly, teens from across the country, it is truly inspiring to see what can be accomplished for thousands of youth unable to afford basic school supplies,” said Demos Parneros, president of U.S. Stores at Staples. “With help from celebrities like Jordin, we will be able to arm teens with the tools and resources they need to make a difference in their community.”

Sparks is helping to raise awareness for students in need by starring in the public service announcement for the campaign, airing on Channel One, BusRadio, MySpace, Facebook and television and radio stations nationwide.

“I’m very excited to be involved with the Do Something 101 campaign and to help motivate teens to get involved,” said Sparks. “There are so many kids in America that need school supplies that don’t have them, and all somebody has to do is donate. It’s so easy.”

With more than 11 million young people in the United States living below the poverty line, Do Something 101 makes it easy for teens to get involved.

Teens who want to make a difference can also go to www.DoSomething101.com for ideas on how to run local school supply drives.