Staples Associate Directs $5,000 to RCS Learning Center

Natick, MA.(August 19, 2013) – Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., has awarded $5,000 to RCS Learning Center under a program that lets Staples associates direct donations. The funds from Staples Foundation will benefit the "Let's Get to Work" Vocational Program at the Learning Center. This program provides students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities with the opportunity to explore and develop vocational competencies, independence, and job related skills. Specifically, the funds will help to purchase the equipment necessary to create a functioning "Copy Center" for the students to run at the school.

The grants are part of a philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations that are focused on education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization.

The program, called 2 Million and Change, will award funds to organizations around the world, reaching more than $2 million in grants by the end of the year. In 2012, associates globally directed more than $2.1 million of Staples Foundation grants to 470 non-profit organizations.

“Staples Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our associates live and work,” said Katy Dobbs, director of global community and giving for Staples, Inc. “Through our program, we are pleased to support our associates and the local non-profit organizations that matter to them most.”

About Staples Community and Giving

Staples is dedicated to providing education and job skills opportunities in communities where our customers and associates live and work with a primary focus on support disadvantaged youth, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development initiatives. Staples supports these causes through corporate contributions, in-kind donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its global community and giving efforts, Staples has helped more than 6,500 organizations in local communities across 26 countries. Community and Giving is also an integral component of Staples Soul, which recognizes the connection between long-term business success and the impact Staples has on associates, communities and the planet. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.

About RCS

RCS (Realizing Children’s Strengths) Learning Center is a private, non-profit day school for children ages 3-22 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Since opening in 2006, RCS’ mission has been to provide the highest quality of individualized behavioral and educational services for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. We believe that every child has unique skills and we are dedicated to helping each child develop these skills and reach their full potential.