Office Depot Foundation Caring Connection Launch Event

The Office Depot Foundation officially launched the Caring Connection on a recent Saturday in Boca Raton, Fla., when 105 volunteers - ranging in age from 5 to 87 - came together to assemble packages of school supplies, personal care items and other gifts that are being sent to 2,400 Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) foster youth attending colleges and trade schools across the country.

"One of the key components of our '5 X 5 Program™' of strategic priorities is strengthening local communities," explained Foundation President Mary Wong. "Volunteerism is one of the most effective and meaningful ways in which individuals of all ages can make a difference. We are grateful to everyone who came out to help during this truly wonderful event."

The majority of the items included in the packages were donated by Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation. Additional contributors included Smead, FranklinCovey and Horses and the Handicapped. The boxes also contained letters and cards to the students written by children from seven South Florida schools and youth organizations, including Achievement Center/Village Academy, S.D. Spady Elementary School, Rolling Green Elementary School, Saint Andrew's School, the YMCA, Hispanic Unity of Florida and the Jason Taylor Reading Room. The YMCA of Boca Raton donated the use of its facilities for the event.

Please click here to see how you can "Put Your Passion into Action" with the Caring Connection!