Pop star and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks had teamed with Do Something.org, the organization that empowers teens to take action in their communities, and Staples, Inc., the world’s largest office products company, to ask Rolla teens to make a difference this summer.
The Do Something 101 (www.dosometing101.com) campaign encourages teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store from through Aug. 31 to ensure they get into the hands of deserving students just in time to head back to school.
Staples is kick-starting the campaign by donating $50,000 in school supplies around the country to the cause. In addition, Staples customers can also get involved by donating $2 at any Staples store with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting local teens in need.
All school supplies and donations will be given locally to the Dru Pippin Youth Center, an educational and not-for-profit organization that serves disdvantaged youth.
The Rolla Staples store for supply drop off is at 615 South Bishop Ave.
Jordin Sparks, hot off her hit single with Chris Brown, is helping to raise awareness for students in need by starring in the public service annoucement for the campaign on radio and television. Do Something 101 is an easy way for teens nationwide to get in school.
Teens who want to make a difference can also go to www.DoSomething101.com for ideas on how to run local high school supply drives. Suggestions include teens holding a movie night and “charging” their friends a backpack filled with high school supplies as admission. Also, teens could put together a battle of the bands, car washes or carnvals with people donating school supplies at the door. Whether holding a school supply drive at summer camp, during a summer sports league or at a neighborhood block party, Do Something has tips, resources and flyers for how to get started and make the most of everyone’s teen summer.
For more information, go to www.staples.com.