9.19.2001 ET

(CSRwire) OfficeMax, Inc. (NYSE: OMX), the Cleveland-based international office products superstore chain with almost 1,000 locations throughout the Country, today announced that the OfficeMax Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of OfficeMax superstores and OfficeMax.com, has pledged $1 million in college scholarships for the families of rescue workers killed in last week's terrorist attacks on the United States. In addition, OfficeMax said, on behalf of its nearly 40,000 associates, it is working with charitable organizations to provide a variety of other products and services to aid relief efforts. Michael Feuer, OfficeMax's chairman and chief executive officer, said, "At this unique point in history it is up to everyone, individuals and companies alike, to stand up and be counted as we face one of the biggest challenges in our Country's history. Last week's horrific and unprovoked attacks have touched each and every one of us in some way. The establishment of these scholarships for the families of fallen rescue workers is an appropriate way for OfficeMax, on behalf of its associates and stores, to help ensure the children of these heroic rescue workers have ample opportunities in the future." "At a time like this," Mr. Feuer continued, "it's not business as usual and a new priority emerges of helping to lessen the pain and suffering of victims. We have been very impressed with what other companies, organizations and individuals have done and we have spent the last week developing a giving program that we believe will make a difference. "Mr. Feuer said OfficeMax is also aiding relief efforts with the following additional programs:

- OfficeMax is in the process of making major donations of office supplies and equipment to the American Red Cross for use in the administration of relief efforts in New York and Washington.

- The Company has established a Web page on its e-Commerce site, OfficeMax.com, where customers and associates can easily make donations to the American Red Cross, the New York Fire Fighters, United Way and the Salvation Army.

- OfficeMax has authorized its stores to allow accredited charities involved in relief efforts to place coin-boxes or other collection devices in its nearly 1,000 superstores across the Country.

- On Oct. 2, OfficeMax will conduct a blood drive at its International Headquarters in Shaker Heights, OH.

About OfficeMax

OfficeMax operates full-size office products superstores in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to offering office products, business machines and related items, OfficeMax superstores also feature CopyMax and FurnitureMax, store-within-a-store modules devoted exclusively to "print-for-pay" services and office furniture. Additionally, the Company reaches customers with an offering of over 30,000 items through its award-winning eCommerce site, OfficeMax.com, its direct-mail catalogs and its outside sales force, all of which are serviced by its 19 delivery centers and two national call centers. Through joint venture partnerships OfficeMax also operates stores internationally in Mexico and Brazil.