ATLANTA – State Representative Sheila Jones (D-Atlanta) and the Office Depot Foundation are pleased to announce that several 5th grade students in Georgia House District 53 schools have been chosen to receive colorful new “sackpacks” containing essential school supplies as part of the Foundation’s National Backpack Program. The Back to School Celebration was held on Friday, July 19, 2013 where the sackpacks were distributed.
“I am honored by the opportunity to participate in the Foundation’s program this year,” said Rep. Jones. “Our children deserve to be well equipped with all of the materials they need to succeed in school no matter what socioeconomic status they come from.”
The specially designed sackpacks come in six different color combinations with kid-friendly graphics. Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons. They do not have any Office Depot Foundation or Office Depot logos or markings.
“In keeping with our mission – Listen Learn Care – we are committed to making a difference in children’s lives by giving them tools to help them succeed in school and, ultimately, in life,” says Office Depot Foundation President Mary Wong. “We are thrilled to know that we will reach our three millionth child this year, and grateful to Office Depot and our many supporters for giving us the opportunity to continue this program for its 13th year.”
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation − tax exempt under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) − that serves as the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that give children tools to succeed in school and in life; build the capacity of non-profit organizations through collaboration and innovation; and help communities prepare for disasters, as well as recovering and rebuilding afterwards.
Representative Sheila Jones represents the citizens of District 53, which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, Juvenile Justice, and Transportation committees.
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