OfficeMax, Customers Donate Nearly $1.7 Million in Supplies to Benefit Teachers and Schools

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today OfficeMax® Incorporated (NYSE: OMX), its back-to-school shoppers and business customers helped ease the burden by donating nearly $1.7 million in classroom supplies to teachers and schools in a series of nationwide surprise events through the OfficeMax A Day Made Better program.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131001/CG90061)

Today marks the seventh year of A Day Made Better, in which OfficeMax associates surprise 1,000 teachers in their classrooms with $1,000 each worth of school supplies -- $1 million in sum. The national initiative aims to relieve and support teachers who spend their own money on much-needed classroom supplies.  OfficeMax consumers and business clients contributed nearly $700,000 in additional school supplies through this summer's in-store supply drive held at OfficeMax stores across the country. These additional supplies will be donated Oct. 1 to the schools where teachers are being honored through OfficeMax's A Day Made Better program.

"Teachers and education are a part of the crucial infrastructure necessary to build a promising future for our children, and yet many teachers and schools face significant challenges to make ends meet in the classroom due to budget shortfalls," said Carolynn Brooks, vice president, chief diversity officer and president of OfficeMax Charitable Foundation. "OfficeMax is proud to be hosting its seventh year of A Day Made Better, where we join our customers in helping teachers and schools secure the supplies they need to succeed."

About A Day Made Better
To the average American teacher, "back to school" means spending $1,000 out of pocket on essential classroom supplies. The OfficeMax A Day Made Better program, in partnership with its non-profit partner AdoptAClassroom.org, aims to help end the need for teacher-funded classrooms. Since 2007, A Day Made Better and other OfficeMax Goodworks programs have contributed more than $25 million in grants and supplies to support more than 31,000 teachers and their classrooms. Additionally, through the annual event, OfficeMax has helped its nonprofit partner AdoptAClassroom.org secure funding for more than 100,000 classrooms nationwide.

Teachers Continue the Conversation Tonight on Twitter
Tonight, teachers from around the country will join on Twitter for a special #OMXTeachers Twitter Party to share tips and tricks for efficient, budget-friendly classrooms. Hosted by @WeAreTeachers, the #OMXTeachers Twitter Party will help teachers share ideas for outfitting their classroom on a budget and best practices for effective classroom management. RSVP or join the #OMXTeachers conversation live tonight starting at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET.

To learn more about the OfficeMax A Day Made Better program at ADayMadeBetter.com. To help a teacher or classroom in your community visit AdoptAClassroom.org.

About AdoptAClassroom.org
AdoptAClassroom.org is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending teacher-funded classrooms. We support teachers by providing much-needed classroom materials and supplies.  Many teachers spend as much as $1,000 annually of their own money to stock their classrooms.   Since 1998 AdoptAClassroom.org has raised over $18 million to benefit classrooms across America.  AdoptAClassroom.org has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator   To adopt a classroom, visit www.adoptaclassroom.org.

About OfficeMax
OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE: OMX) is a leading provider of products, solutions and services for the workplace, whether for business or at home. The OfficeMax mission is simple: We provide workplace innovation that enables our customers to work better. The company provides office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions, and furniture to businesses and consumers.  OfficeMax consumers and business customers are served by approximately 28,000 associates through OfficeMax.com, OfficeMaxWorkplace.com, and Reliable.com; more than 900 stores in the U.S. and Mexico, and direct sales and catalogs. OfficeMax has been named one of the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies, and is the only company in the office supply industry to receive Ethics Inside® Certification by the Ethisphere Institute.  To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX. For more information, visit www.officemax.com.

All trademarks, service marks and trade names of OfficeMax Incorporated used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of OfficeMax Incorporated. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact
Nicole Miller
nicolemiller@officemax.com
630.864.6069

SOURCE OfficeMax Incorporated