BOCA RATON, Fla. — Boca Raton-based Office Depot recently donated more than $3.5 million worth of educational supplies to students, teachers and schools across the country and in Palm Beach County.
The district's education foundation moves the items through their "Red Apple Supplies" program.
"Last year we gave away almost three-quarter of a million dollars in school supplies. We're currently serving 63 of our school districts 179 schools," James Gavrilos said.
Gavrilos is the president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. He said Red Apple Supplies focus on the supplies that the teachers need for their kids. Necessities for students like paper, pens, glue sticks to scotch tape if necessary.
"Any time Office Depot gets excess supplies in their warehouse, which is locally, they'll call us up and say they're sending a semi-truck over," he said.
Alex Price is with Office Depot. He said his company focuses on helping kids get a good education.
"We think in terms of investing in the next generation, so there's an immediate need to help a low-income student bridge the digital divide to be able to learn effectively from home or have the supplies they need," he said.
So how do they calculate a win?
"The win can't be measured in the short-term. We think we've got to have staying power," he said.
Gavrilos said Office Depot is a blessing.
"Office Dept stepped up," he said.