Published: July 28, 2008 01:09 pm      

Staples to appreciate teachers Aug. 2

Ada — Staples officials said the company wants to make it easy for teachers to have tools they need to do their job by hosting a Teacher Appreciation Day at store locations across the country. Each year, teachers spend an average of $475 of their own money on classroom materials and supplies, according to a report, Teacher Buying Behavior 2006-2007, from Quality Education Data, Inc. (QED).

“A tough economy and tighter budgets mean teachers are spending more of their own money to keep their classrooms stocked,” said Shira Goodman, executive vice president of marketing for Staples. “Teacher Appreciation Day is our way of letting teachers know how much they are valued and to make it easy for them to have the supplies they need to do their job. Last year, more than 280,000 teachers came to Staples stores nationwide to receive Teacher Appreciation Day gift bags, and we hope to help even more teachers in 2008.”

The first 200 teachers visiting Staples at 1630 Lonnie Abbott Industrial Blvd. on Teacher Appreciation Day, Saturday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will receive raffle prizes and a 512MB Flash Drive giveaway – perfect for teachers taking files between the classroom and home. Teachers will also have the opportunity to preview new products and services at Staples, such as the Crayola Dry-Erase Magnetic Eraser and Stickers Dispenser, and the Staples Copy & Print Center full-service capabilities.

Staples Teacher Rewards is another way to help teachers who spend their own money on school supplies.

By enrolling, teachers earn two percent back in rewards up to $15 when they spend $200 or more in a calendar quarter. During back-to-school’s Teacher Bonus Season, July 15 – Sept. 15, every $1 Staples Teacher Rewards members spend will count as $2 toward earning rewards. Staples Teacher Rewards members also get 20 percent back in Copy and Print Center purchases when they spend $25 or more in a quarter. Teachers can also recycle ink and toner cartridges at any Staples store and they will receive $3 in Teacher Rewards for each eligible cartridge.

The credit is in the form of Teacher Rewards statements, which are sent when $10 of rewards is earned and can be used like cash in the stores or online at www.staples.com. There is a limit of three returned cartridges per day.

Teachers may enroll in the program at any Staples store or online at www.staplesrewards.com.

In addition, Staples continues to sell Easy Buttons with proceeds – up to $1 million annually – donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America through Staples Foundation for Learning™.

Log on to www.staples.com/teacherday for more information.