Press Releases Newsfeature Materials Logos Images Photos Leon M. Rubin JKG Group Direct: 706-867-0278 Mobile: 561-251-8075 E-mail: LRubin@jkggroup.com	H O M E   :    O F F I C E   D E P O T  F O U N D A T I O N Welcome 2011 Office Depot Foundation National Backpack Program Since 2001, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation have been giving backpacks and sackpacks to children to help them boost their self-esteem, build their confidence and succeed in school. In fact, they have been characterized as "a symbol of hope." The Foundation is pleased to introduce a new item to the National Backpack Program in 2011: cool new school sackpacks in five colorful designs. As in previous years, each sackpack comes with a zippered pouch containing essential school supplies. This year, the Office Depot Foundation will donate 350,000 sackpacks to kids - the most ever given away in a single year. By the end of 2011, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have helped approximately 2.5 million kids since this award-winning initiative began in 2001. We would like to suggest several story ideas related to this milestone: The tremendously important role that having the proper tools can play in enhancing a child's ability to succeed during the school year. The difference that a new backpack or sackpack can make in the way children feel about themselves and their experience in school. The commitment that the Office Depot Foundation has made to supporting this program despite a challenging economy. Please review the backgrounder press release, Fun Facts and other materials in this Internet Press Kit for more information. We can help to arrange interviews with students, parents, schools and non-profit organizations that have received donations in the past; as well as with Mary Wong, president of the Office Depot Foundation. Feel free to call or e-mail at any time and let us know how we can help. Thank you for your interest.