Office Depot Increases Giving In Response to Pandemic
Always on the frontlines of philanthropy, Office Depot ramps up giving thanks to exciting partnerships.
In a vacillating economy, created by the current pandemic, where it’s almost impossible for organizations to predict what’s next, Office Depot offers a refreshing and uplifting contrast, stepping in and supporting many of the individuals and communities that need it the most.
FROM #DEPOTDIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES IN 2019. (Courtesy Office Depot)»
When COVID-19 made its way to America, school districts immediately moved to a virtual learning system. Office Depot recognized that many families with school-age children would be impacted by a lack of computers and devices. Its community investment initiative, also known as #depotdifference, took action. Office Depot teamed up with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County to support an Electronic Device Drive where Palm Beach County Office Depot and OfficeMax stores served as donation sites to collect laptop computers to be redistributed to local families in an effort to support remote learning. Office Depot also partnered with the Broward County Education Foundation on a Virtual Learning Teacher Supply Drive to help provide teachers with access to the tools they need at home to keep students engaged, by matching donations up to $5,000.
FROM #DEPOTDIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES IN 2019. (Courtesy Office Depot)»
“We also supported through disaster relief,” says Danielle Trepeck, Office Depot, Inc.’s National Community Investment Manager. “We donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross for COVID-19 relief efforts that will help them to provide critical services to those who need it most. This includes equipping and training volunteers and staff during this outbreak to safely provide food, shelter, comfort and relief supplies to people affected by disasters of all types, as well as invest in technology and training to provide counseling, financial assistance and other relief services virtually.”
FROM #DEPOTDIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES IN 2019. (Courtesy Office Depot)»
Providing meals to those most vulnerable, food banks have become more important than ever during this pandemic. This is why Office Depot donated to Feeding South Florida, where funds are being used to provide the critical food necessary for children, seniors, families and the recently unemployed, as well as Feed the Children, an organization working hard to meet the needs of the hundreds of thousands of families across the nation who have been affected by the current crisis.
FROM #DEPOTDIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES IN 2019. (Courtesy Office Depot)»
In addition to partnering with other organizations during the COVID-19 outbreak, Office Depot had to think ahead regarding the details of the company’s flagship volunteer celebration, Depot Day of Service, where associates, family members and friends volunteer in local, large-scale community service projects every spring. “Not only did we know we had to react and take action to what was happening, we already had a plan in place for it,” says Trepeck. This year, in lieu of volunteering, Office Depot decided to lend its support by providing grants to several underserved schools and local Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, to help them address critical educational needs and support other school projects honoring teachers and faculty.
FROM #DEPOTDIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES IN 2019. (Courtesy Office Depot)»
With its longstanding commitment to philanthropic endeavors, it isn’t a surprise that Office Depot received several awards in 2019. This includes the Doing Well While Doing Good® Corporation Award by the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, recognition by Broward Education Foundation as its Partner of the Year during the Broward County Public Schools Community Involvement Awards and being named Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation for National Philanthropy Day by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Palm Beach County Chapter.
Having an opportunity to help during this crisis has left Office Depot, as well as its partners, with a mutual feeling of gratitude. “We’re grateful to be able to lend support to organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities,” Trepeck shares. “These are challenging times and it’s important that we all do what we can to support those who need it most.”
While many corporations proceed to navigate through unchartered waters, Office Depot plans to continue supporting communities, those in need, school districts and Boys and Girls clubs across the country. The company is already planning its back-to-school initiative Start Proud!, where school supplies are distributed to students. In the past, this event was conducted in an auditorium, followed by high-fives and hugs. While Trepeck says this year’s event will probably look different, Office Depot has already proven that challenges are just an opportunity to chart a new course and develop a smart approach to continue advancing toward its philanthropic goals.
THE DIGITAL LINK FOR THE 2020 DIVERSITY CATALOG
