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Back To School With Crayola Products

7 Sep

School supplies don’t have to be a difficult shopping experience when you know exactly what brands you can trust. Ever since I was in school my parents always chose Crayola crayons, markers, paint, and colored pencils. I always wanted the ginormous pack of crayons with the sharpener in back. It had to be CRAYOLA! The cheap crayons didn’t cut it and I loved the variety of colors Crayola had and still has. They even have glitter crayons now. 

Since I grew up using Crayola it’s only right my kids use them too. There’s even new products that I know my kids will want.

New Products

· Crayola Emoji Maker: Drawing inspiration from the growing popularity of emojis, kids can experiment with Crayola colors to make 16 custom color emoji stampers and share their unique emoji messages with friends. Using the included design labels, kids can also create custom color names and decorate their barrels. For children ages 6 and up; suggested retail price is $19.99.


· Crayola My Way: Crayola My Way allows fans to customize their own box of Crayola Crayons – from a personalized message on the front of the box to the colors of the Crayons inside the box – in an easy, highly interactive an fun process. After choosing the First Day of School theme, kids can make the Crayola Crayon box their own by uploading a personal photo or piece of artwork to the front of the box, adding their favorite nickname, and selecting their favorite Crayola colors. The personalized 64-count box starts at about $5.99 and can go up to $24.99 depending on the level of customization.


With the new school year just around the corner, kids want to have the best materials and coolest new supplies that reflect their unique interests, while parents want their kids to have best-in-class products that will last them through the year. From tried-and-true classroom staples like Markers, Crayons and Colored Pencils to make –your-own Emoji Markers and customizable Crayon boxes – Crayola offers a wide selection of products that will inspire creativity and get kids excited for the school year.
Classroom Staples

· Crayola 24-count Crayons: Crayola Crayons are a classic kids’ art tool that generations have used to learn to color, spell and draw. Crayola Crayons are designed with a focus on true color, smoothness, and durability.


· Crayola 10-count Classic Markers: Crayola Classic Broad Line Markers are the classic, long-lasting, durable markers that many generations remember from childhood. They lay down brilliant color, yet won’t bleed through most paper. Crayola Markers are also preferred by teachers for all of their projects.


· Crayola 10-count Ultra-Clean Washable Markers: Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers are formulated to provide brilliant color where you want it while washing easily where you don’t. Crayola’s classic markers now have an improved Ultra-Clean washable formula and come with two new bold colors.


· Crayola 24-count Colored Pencils: Crayola Colored Pencils are an essential creative tool for kids to use at home or school. Each pack contains pre-sharpened Colored Pencils and a range of vivid colors to inspire children’s self-expression and imagination. Made with thick soft leads that won’t break easily, the pencils create brightly colored lines that are perfect for school projects and creating detailed artwork.


Check out @Crayola on Twitter and http://www.crayola.com for more info. 

Disclosure: Crayola sent my kids products for back to school. Opinions are 100% ours as always. 

 

Soul Kix Shoe Giveaway 

1 Sep

Soul Kix is an interactive shoe company with a purpose of allowing the consumer to have a creative choice in their footwear while also donating a pair of shoes to those in need for each pair purchased.


Here’s how you can join the Soul Kix  movement:

Our shoes come in a bag that has been made of recycled materials and can be reused for almost anything which is why we say Think Outside The Shoebox.


For every pair of SoulKix purchased, we donate the equivalent to a pair of shoes to our partners Soles4Souls. They then provide shoes to those in parts of the world that are less fortunate.

We have over 500 celebrities, athletes, musicians and actors wearing SoulKix.

We currently have a Kickstarter Campaign going to create awareness, excitement and support for our Kids line of shoes. Check it out.

You Design It. We Print It. This is what SoulKix is all about. The is the foundation of our company and caters to everyone who has ever wanted a pair of shoes they can truly call their own. 


Here’s the pair Soul Kix custom made for me. I will be taking these on my cruise this year. These can be worn anywhere like on the beach, streets of NY, traveling, shopping, etc. I love the way they come packaged and the bag can be worn with your shoes inside. Love it! I’m so glad to have met Soul Kix at the Blogger Bash conference I attended this year. Can’t wait for the kids line to come out. 


Outfit your company/organization with our shoes but your brand.

Employees are a company’s most important asset and being able to create an environment where each employee feels like they are a part of a team helps to create a culture of happy, efficient and loyal employees.


**GIVEAWAY**

Soul Kix is kind enough to offer one of my readers a custom pair or in house design of shoes. 

To enter (Mandatory entries):

*Leave a comment on Instagram and tell me which pair you would pick or what custom pair you would design. Tag it @soul_kix and hashtags #soul_kix  #fivelittlewordsgiveaway

*Follow @soul_kix on Twitter and Instagram 

*Make sure you’re subscribed to my blog.

*Make sure you’re following me on Instagram  @nilimo and Twitter @nilimonicky 

*Like my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivelittlewords

**Bonus entry:
Retweet this: I want to win a pair of @soul_kix from @nilimonicky through her Instagram @nilimo 

Giveaway starts today September 1st and ends 11:59 pm September 11th. Winner announced on social media September 12th. 

Disclosure: This post is not compensated. I was given a pair in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 


Extra Money In Your Pockets With #GrouponCoupons #ad  

25 Aug

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

I’ve been clipping coupons for years and there’s been times when I went shopping and forgot my coupons or they ripped accidentally (that happened recently) or they expired (the worst). Was there a easier way to carry coupons with me without ever forgetting them? 

When Groupon Coupons was introduced I was all over their site. I couldn’t believe all the coupons and promo codes from brands I regularly shop at. Coupons available when I need it and the best part on my phone. No losing, forgetting or accidentally ripping in my bag. Groupon Coupons goes wherever I go. 

I love the money I save at restaurants and my favorite retail shops like: 

JCPenney

Foot Locker

Nike

Macy’s

Bed Bath & Beyond

Target

Best Buy

Lands End

Starbucks 

Olive Garden

Panera Bread


I’ve been taking advantage of the awesome promo codes for back to school. Foot Locker has $20 off when you spend $120. My son can’t fit kid sneakers so his sneakers are in the men’s section. This coupon will come in handy. 

Land’s End has 25% off which is great for uniforms for my kids and free shipping when you spend $50. 

LL Bean has up to 50% off and free shipping. Their backpacks are great, very sturdy and are on sale.

I’ve even gotten a mani/pedi for $20. Yes!!

I also downloaded the Groupon App on my phone. Don’t miss out on all the savings available 24 hours a day. 

Check out: (Groupon Coupons) – https://www.groupon.com/coupons

– Twitter – https://twitter.com/groupon

https://www.groupon.com/coupons/stores/jcpenney.com

The Moms Back To School Bash Recap #TheMomsBTS

24 Aug

The Moms held their Back To School Bash at 100 Barclay Street. They also had their live Sirius XM Stars Show and I was happy to be a part of it on the 25th floor with beautiful views. This is my second time on their show. We talked about anxiety, nutrition, sleep, fashion and first day of schools cheers or not. The Moms were also celebrating being on the August cover of New York Family Magazine. Have you seen the cover? Get your copy quickly. 


The Back To School Bash was held in the lobby of 100 Barclay. Sponsors included Fruit Of The Loom, Subway, Chobani and Kidbox. 



We are fans of Subway and Chobani. Back to school lunches will be healthy with these two. There are so many varieties to choose and I love that my kids eat healthy. Well some of the time. As long as they get their veggies and fruit I’m happy. Have you seen the Siracha Mango Chobani? Love Greek yogurt. We love Chobani Kids and Adult products. 

Fruit Of The Loom has been a favorite of mine for so long now my kids use them. From t-shirts to underwear Fruit Of The Loom knows exactly what parents and kids need. Comfortable and great quality which never shrinks or stretches out of shape. I love the new Breathable underwear for women. With the hot, muggy weather we’ve been having I can honestly say these underwear has kept me dry. I am going to stock up on these. From boy shorts to bikinis Fruit Of The Loom got you covered. I also love the bonus packs where you get three free items. Check out their web page: http://www.fruit.com/

Kidbox is  a box full of stylish pieces from well-loved brands, selected just for your special kid. Whenever you keep the whole box, they will commit a donation of new clothes to children in needy families. 


We had a blast and want to congratulate The Moms in all their success. Thank you for always including my family in your fab events. 

Check out @themoms  @chobani @fruitoftheloom @subway on Twitter and @Kidbox on Instagram 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

National Park Foundation Celebrates At Brooklyn Bridge Park #FindYourPark #ad

24 Aug

National Parks Day celebrated their 100th birthday August 22nd at Brooklyn Bridge Park and we were invited to join in the fun and partake in all the activities. 

The National Park Foundation and National Park Service, Bill Nye and Questlove celebrated the 100th birthday of the National Park Service on Monday, August 22nd. In partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park and One World Trade Center for the celebration, for the first time ever, New Yorkers worked together on a giant digital circuit board to control the color of the lights of One World Trade Center’s spire. The celebration featured music by Ramblin’ Dan, Questlove and a surprise musical performance.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of those parks that you could spend hours at because of the beautiful skylines, boats, restaurants and all the fun your kids can have there. Definitely a tourist stop and any picture you take there is beautiful. My son took some amazing shots. 

The first thing we did when we arrived was got free ice cream from The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. From 1:30-3:30 free cones or cups of ice cream were given. My kids and I enjoyed that very much. 




We met up with more bloggers and Melissa Musen Gerstein from (The Moms) to explore. My daughter made a sand necklace and took home coloring books. We also spun the wheel and answered trivia questions about history and won prizes. 



Next we took a group photo then headed to the entertainment. Ramblin Dan and the Freewheelin Band did a wonderful job with his songs keeping the kids and parents on their toes. I couldn’t stop singing and dancing. This band is a husband and wife duo. I would attend any event/party they are performing at. 


Park Rangers took visitors on tours and took pictures with those that requested. It was a beautiful day to just enjoy whatever was going on. Even celebrities came by to show their support. 

Here’s the schedule of events:
1:00 PM: Event opens to the public

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Free scoop of ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Ramblin’ Dan & the Freewheelin’ Band at the stage

3:00 PM – 3:10 PM: Junior Ranger Centennial Pledge Ceremony at the stage

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Smart Parks Game Jam at American Express tent

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Ramblin’ Dan & the Freewheelin’ Band at the stage

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Park RX Fitness class at the Harbor View Lawn

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM: Atlas Genius performance at the stage

7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Remarks, including Secretary of Department of Interior Sally Jewell and Centennial Ambassador Bill Nye

7:45 PM – 10:00 PM: Edison Interactive Floor open to the public

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Questlove DJ set

10:00 PM: Event closes

The Park Exchange event series are designed not only to celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th birthday throughout the summer, but also to bring parks to life in unexpected places throughout the country.

There are over 400 national parks, even in big cities across the country. Join us in celebrating this historic moment and come #FindYourPark, o mejor dicho #EncuentraTuParque, in Brooklyn Bridge Park!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine as always. 

Skynergy Power Container At Liberty State Park

23 Aug

I headed to Liberty State Park to learn about solar energy through a shipping container that will serve as a bike station with the company Skynergy. It was a packed event with Assemblymen, The Mayor of Jersey City and Doctors speaking. Below you can see the schedule and how Skynergy plays a part in providing back up power. I learned so much and enjoyed my day with staff, media and invited guests. Liberty State Park is beautiful and lunch was amazing. 

11:00 – 11:20

Opening and VIP Remarks
1) Taiwan: Ambassador Lily. L. W. Hsu
2) US: Assemblyman Raj Mukherji
3) GTPO: Dr. Lihchyi Wen, Deputy Director of GTPO
4) Bike & Roll: Mr. Matt Finelli, Manager
5) UL: Ms. Catherine Sheehy, Advisory Lead of UL Environment
11:20 – 11:25
GTPO-UL MOU Exchange
1) GTPO: Dr. Lihchyi Wen, Deputy Director of GTPO
2) UL: Kurt Brengel, Director NA Engineering Operations
11:25 – 11:35
Launching Ceremony
Skynergy Introduction by Master of Ceremony
11:35 – 11:40
1) Taiwan: Ambassador Lily. L. W. Hsu
2) US: Assemblyman Raj Mukherji
3) Mayor of Jersey City, Fulop (TBC)
11:40-11:45
group photo
11:45-12:00
1) Taiwan: Ambassador Lily. L. W. Hsu
2) US: Assemblyman Raj Mukherji
3) US: Ms. Marisa Slaten, Assistant Director of the Division of Economic Development and Emerging Issues, New Jersey Board of Public Utility
4) GTPO: Dr. Lihchyi Wen, Deputy Director of GTPO
5) Bike & Roll: Mr. Matt Finelli
6) UL: Kurt Brengel, Director NA Engineering Operations
7) UL: Ms. Catherine Sheehy, Advisory Lead of UL Environment
8) Jonathan Luk, Superintendent of Liberty State Park
9) TECO – Mr. CY Ling (Director of Investment Office)
10) Gloria Energy Asset Co. Ltd.-Mr. Chih-Ku CHEN (General Manager)
11) TD Hitech Energy Inc. – Dr. Mo Hua YANG (General Manager)
12) M-Field Energy Ltd. – Mr. Bin HSU (General Manager)
13) Billion Electric Co. Ltd. – Mr. Chia-Ho JIAN (Director)
14) Taiwan Energy Saving Film Co. – Mr. Wu, Tieh- Han (General Manager)
15) Senator Cory Booker’s office: Dinesh Suryawanshi (Project Specialist) 
12:00 – 14:00
Networking & Reception


The Green Trade Project Office (GTPO), Taiwan’s leader in the promotion and integration of green products and services, was proud to announce that “Skynergy”, a self-developed, stand-alone photovoltaic power container, to be demonstrated at Liberty State Park in New Jersey, USA. This special demonstration showcased how ever-improving solar energy technologies, smart energy management and storage systems, cloud computing, and eco-friendly products are making zero-energy consumption possible.

Basically, Skynergy is an installation that has been created from a standard shipping container that will actually serve as a -bicycle station, which will be run by the US bicycle rental and tour company Bike And Roll. On July 12, 2016, a handover ceremony was held jointly with the GTPO; Bike And Roll; the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in New York; New Jersey Board of Public Utility, project partners UL and Asolar; and major manufacturing partners from Taiwan.

As a self-contained, self-sustaining power station, Skynergy is well suited to support disaster relief and humanitarian efforts, as well as various residential, retail, or recreational purposes, in places where power is unavailable. In addition, since it is housed in a standard shipping container, Skynergy is easy to transport via land, air, or sea.

Skynergy runs on high-power photovoltaic panels. For the NJ project, it features a photovoltaic module on the rooftop area of the container. These panels feed the station’s grid with electricity, with any excess electricity then stored in the onboard batteries, which are compact chambers of lithium-ion battery packs.

The station has also installed a hydrogen fuel cell to provide reliable backup power, in case of blackouts. Under normal conditions, the hydrogen fuel cell self-refuels, when a supply is maintained through the solar-power source. In total, this fuel cell can provide more than 8 hours of back-up power while operating at its maximum output.

Additionally, with the help of a smart-energy-management system, cloud-monitoring technologies have been implemented to help ease the burden on administrators who must face the challenge of overseeing the central control of scattered equipment. This helps to create fast and more efficient workflows between devices, which boosts productivity and saves energy.

In addition to consuming zero-energy from the grid, the station also features several innovative green products of note, such as an insulation coating; an energy-saving film for windows; solar bricks; a stone-like surface coating; floor mats made of recycled tires; and luminaries made of materials from discarded computers, among many others.

 For further details, you may visit Skynergy’s webpage: skynergy.net/
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Kitchen Gadgets From Trudeau 

22 Aug

I am a gadget fanatic and I love cooking and entertaining. Trudeau sent me an assortment of gadgets to try. Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean my gadgets have to be put away. These can be used year round. I loved the bottle stoppers and the strawberry huller. The floral bottle stoppers are so pretty and the strawberry huller is very easy to use. I’m always burning my hand or arm in the oven so the glove came in handy. Seasonings are a must in my house. The pink sea salt was a winner. Tastes great on meats and grilled veggies but you could try it on whatever you like. 

Check out this collection of innovative gadgetry, cocktail and barware that put the summertime ease in entertaining! Whether preparing seasonal foods fresh from the land or sea, serving up a favored liquid treat or just relishing in an at-home staycation – Trudeau has the perfect tool for the backyard host/hostess to serve up the tastes of summer.
 

– Strawberry Huller –

There are some helpful gadgets that you just have to have and the new Strawberry Huller from Trudeau is the one to get! Removing the stem and core from strawberries eliminates bitterness and enhances taste instantly! Innovative design offers a simple, safe, and effective alternative to knife hulling and coring. The stainless steel tube and silicone bulb come apart for easy cleaning and are dishwasher safe. #09912141 MSRP $8.99


Classic Pink Sea Salt Mill –

Chefs rave about Pink Sea Salt making it summer’s #1 accouterment for perfectly grilled meats and vegetables. This 6-inch tall Pink Sea Salt Mill from Trudeau is a beautiful addition to cookout tables and seasons all foods deliciously. The Mill features a corrosion-resistant ceramic grinder, has a crystal-clear body, and comes filled to be the star of summer soirées. #0713711 MSRP 13.99 – 


Oven and Grill Glove –  

Get your grill on! A safety necessity when either grilling or baking, this glove fits either the right or left hand and has anti-slip silicone grips on both sides. The glove offers maximum dexterity and the flame-resistant exterior fibers protect while holding grill tools over open flame or pulling hot pans out of the oven. #09912084 Oven and Grill Glove MSRP $19.99 


Floral Bottle Stoppers –

Bring blooming flowers indoors with these wine bottle stoppers from Trudeau. The conic shape and flexible silicone fins offer a tight seal, ensuring that this Floral Bottle Stopper fits most bottles to preserve every last drop! #0978053 MSRP $2.99 each.


For more info check out http://www.trudeau.com and @TrudeauCuisine on Twitter

Disclosure: I was given product to review. Opinions are mine 100%. 

PAW Patrol Comes To The New York State Fair & 4 Pair Ticket Giveaway

19 Aug

NICKELODEON SHOW “PAW PATROL” BRINGS ADVENTURE TO FANS AT THE 2016 GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR IN ONLY NORTHEASTERN APPEARANCE 

Young Fairgoers Can Experience the Adventure of a PAW Patrol Mission


 

Nickelodeon’s popular kid’s adventure series, “PAW Patrol,” is coming to the 2016 Great New York State Fair to allow the show’s young fans to experience the thrill of a rescue mission, Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner announced today. The PAW Patrol Roll Patrol Road Tour will visit the Fair from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4. There is no charge to take part in the tour.

 

The fully interactive tour, inspired by PAW Patrol, features an 18-wheel semi-truck PAW Patroller that opens to reveal a life-sized PAW Patrol Headquarters, which kids can walk through. Within the PAW Patroller experience, there are interactive games, a life-sized Lookout Tower (with working periscopes) and a slide to take kids on to the next mission. The tour includes activations featuring two new segments launching this fall – Jungle Rescue and Roll Patrol. PAW Patrol fans can take photos in the Jungle area featuring the new pup tracker, then ride on life-size Roll Patrol racers around a track, and finish their day by taking a photo with PAW Patrol pups – Chase, Marshall, Skye and Rubble. 

PAW Patrol is an animated action-adventure preschool series starring a pack of six heroic pups led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder. He leads a team of rescue-themed pups who save the day through teamwork, bravery and humor. The program delivers parent-approved life lessons through the pups’ playful misadventures. 

The PAW Patrol Roll Patrol Road Tour will support Canine Companions. The non-profit organization enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

 

The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 25 to September 5, 2016. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “Find Your GREAT!,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.

A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website. Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, and enjoy photos from the Fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

 GIVEAWAY: 

I have 4 tickets to the New York State Fair up for grabs. Giveaway starts today. 

Mandatory entries: 

*Must be a subscriber to my blog and leave comment with email saying you are or you became one. 

*Must follow me on Instagram @nilimo. Leave a comment with your handle.

*Must be following me on Twitter @nilimonicky. Leave a comment with your handle. 

*Like my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fivelittlewords 

Giveaway ends midnight 8/23. Winner announced August 23rd on social media so make sure your handles are included in comments. Good luck. Open to US residents 18 and up. 

Disclosure: I was given tickets to attend the New York State Fair. Opinions are mine 100%. 

Pete’s Dragon Movie Recap In Theaters Today #PetesDragon

12 Aug

I took the kids to an advance screening of Pete’s Dragon courtesy of Disney and we absolutely loved it. We attend lots of movies and Disney always catches my heart. Not only did my daughter and I cry I also had goose bumps. You know when you can feel something about to happen in a scene and then it happens and you say, I knew that was gonna happen. That’s how I was. 


I never saw the original but now I think it’s time to find it and buy a copy so we can see the difference. I’m glad this wasn’t animated. Love animated films but this was good just the way it was. The cast was amazing and Pete played by Oakes Fegley was wonderful. It was also good to see Robert Redford in this movie. 

Why can’t Elliot the dragon be real? At least he can disappear and camouflage into different things. Did I mention my daughter wants one? If I had the space I wouldn’t mind having him too. Just saying. 

Pete’s Dragon is in theaters today. Every child can handle things different so I suggest parents to see the trailer first.  My kids are ages 9 and 13 and they had no problems. We saw it in 3D. 

Here’s a Synopsis: A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”), Isiah Whitlock, Jr. (“Cedar Rapids”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein and produced by Jim Whitaker (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

 

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-yearold girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters today August 12, 2016.

Disney.com/petesdragon

Facebook.com/disneypetesdragon

Twitter.com/disneypetes

Instagram.com/disneypetesdragon

 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to this screening. Opinions are our own 100% as always. 

Office Depot Donates 200,000 Sackpacks To Deserving Kids

10 Aug

OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 16TH YEAR OF NATIONAL BACKPACK PROGRAM BY DONATING 200,000 SACKPACKS TO DESERVING CHILDREN 


For the past 16 years, the Office Depot Foundation has been giving children important tools they need to succeed in school – and in life – at the beginning of the new school year. 

In 2016, the Foundation – the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot is celebrating the 16th year of its award-winning National Backpack Program by donating 200,000 colorful new sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies across the United States and internationally. 

 

By the end of 2016, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have given away more than 4 million backpacks and sackpacks since the National Backpack Program began in 2001. 

 

“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to go to school with dignity and hope,” says Office Depot Foundation President Mary Wong. “For most children, the first day of school is an exciting time complete with new clothes and back-to-school gear. But for kids in families where money is tight, the experience can be just the opposite. The sackpacks and school supplies we donate help to level the playing field and give these wonderful children a reason to stand just a little bit taller.”

To deliver sackpacks directly to children, the Foundation is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations in select cities across the U.S. in July and August. 

 

Thousands more sackpacks are being given to kids through the Office Depot Foundation’s continuing partnerships with a number of nonprofit organizations serving children nationally and globally. The Foundation is collaborating with the AARP Experience Corps, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, Feed the Children, Food For The Poor, the Kids In Need Foundation, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Operation Homefront and Samaritan’s Feet International. For the eighth consecutive year, children of the Navajo Nation in Arizona will receive sackpacks.

 

The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven bright and colorful designs – several of which are new for 2016. Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons. The sackpacks do not have any Office Depot Foundation or Office Depot logos or markings.

More information about the National Backpack Program can be found on the Office Depot Foundation’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/officedepotfoundation. To learn more about the Office Depot Foundation and its initiatives, go to http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/. You can follow the Foundation on Twitter @OfficeDepotFndn; the National Backpack Program’s hashtag is #ODFcares. The Foundation is also on Instagram: @officedepotfoundation.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Sackpacks were given to me.