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Office Depot Foundation's New 'Caring Connection' Website Makes it Simple to Find Ways to Volunteer Across the U.S.
Office Depot Foundation's New 'Caring Connection' Website Makes it Simple to Find Ways to Volunteer Across the U.S.
Published 03-25-09
Submitted by Listen Learn Care Foundation
More than 100 volunteers came together to launch the Office Depot Foundation's new Caring Connection volunteerism program in Boca Raton, Fla.Boca Raton, Fla., - March 24, 2009 -Recognizing the powerful role that volunteerism plays in keeping our communities strong, the Office Depot Foundation(TM) has launched the Caring Connection - a user-friendly, online resource that makes it simple to learn about and enroll in thousands of volunteer opportunities.
Presented in collaboration with VolunteerMatch, the Caring Connection website provides access to information about volunteer positions offered by more than 60,000 non-profit organizations across the United States.
"One of the key components of our '5 X 5 Program(TM)' of strategic priorities is strengthening local communities," explains Mary Wong, president of the Office Depot Foundation - the independent foundation serving as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot (NYSE: ODP). "Volunteerism is one of the most effective and meaningful ways in which individuals of all ages can make a difference.
"We are excited to make these opportunities available to residents of every community we serve, as well as to Office Depot associates and customers, students, companies and non-profit organizations," Wong continues. "We encourage everyone to visit our Caring Connection site to find ways to 'Put Your Passion into Action.'"
The Caring Connection debuted in Boca Raton, Fla., when more than 100 Office Depot Foundation volunteers came together to assemble packages of school supplies, personal care items and other gifts that are being sent to 2,400 Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) foster youth attending colleges and trade schools across the country.
"Young people who are particularly vulnerable in this economy are often forgotten," notes Eileen McCaffrey, executive director of OFA, a Washington, D.C.-based, national not-for-profit focused on education and workforce readiness for youth who have aged out of foster care. "These students rarely receive anything in the mail other than bills. With the help of partners like the Office Depot Foundation, we can convey family-like support through care packages that boost their spirits and encourage them to succeed in school."
The majority of the items included in the packages were donated by Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation. Additional contributors included Smead and FranklinCovey. The boxes also contained letters to the students written by children from seven area schools and youth organizations. The YMCA donated the use of its facilities for the event.
The Office Depot Foundation Caring Connection can be accessed anytime at www.officedepotfoundation.org or http://caringconnection.volunteermatch.org/.
About the Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation (tax exempt under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3)) that serves as the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care(TM), the Foundation supports a variety of programs that seek to enhance quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and global economic growth, empower schools and civil society (non-profit) organizations, and provide support not only when disasters strike, but through the process of rebuilding. For more information, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.
About the Orphan Foundation of America
Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) is dedicated to supporting the thousands of young people who age out of the U.S. foster care system each year. OFA awards funding to enable these youth to attend college and trade school, and also provides mentoring, academic coaching, internships, and care packages to ensure their graduation and successful entry into the workforce. To learn more visit, www.orphan.org.
About VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is the web's largest and most popular volunteer network, and is committed to strengthening communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. Its award-winning online service, www.volunteermatch.org, helps visitors find local volunteer opportunities by location, interest area and/or keyword.
Listen Learn Care Foundation
Listen Learn Care Foundation
Compassionate. Creative. Committed.
As an independent, non-profit foundation, the Listen Learn Care Foundation (formerly the Office Depot Foundation) strives to make a difference to children, families and communities across the United States and around the world. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that:
- Give children tools to succeed in school and in life
- Build the capacity of nonprofit organizations through collaboration and innovation
- Help communities prepare for disasters, as well as recovering and rebuilding afterwards
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