Staples Partners with United Way Locations Across North America to Create Over 1,000 Youth Literacy Kits

As part of United Way’s global Day of Action, hundreds of associate
volunteers are fueling a love for reading among local young children

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#DayOfAction–For the third consecutive year, Staples,
Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) will partner with United Way locations across
North America, including Boston, St. Louis, Seattle and Denver, to stuff
literacy kits for children. This is all part of the United Way’s annual
Day of Action on June 21. Hundreds of Staples volunteers in 13 locations
will stuff more than 1,000 literacy kits, up from 11 locations and just
under 1,000 kits last year, and up from only 6 locations and 600 kits in
2014, clearly showing the program’s appeal and growth.

All kits are being provided by Staples Promotional Products and include:
two books, crayons, a coloring book and corresponding activities that
reinforce the story to help improve literacy among young children.
Staples associates will decorate and assemble the kits for children with
limited access to books and the local United Way will facilitate
distribution to families in need.

“Staples is focused on improving education in the communities in which
we live and work,” said John Burke, Chief Culture Officer, Staples. “By
inspiring children in numerous locations across the United States and
Canada to love reading, Staples is doing its part to add to the global
impact of United Way’s Day of Action.”

United Way’s Day of Action mobilizes the caring power of volunteers to
make a meaningful impact in more than 300 communities around the world.
Volunteers of all ages come together to create positive change for
themselves, their families and their communities. Last year, more than
385 United Ways in 49 states and 21 countries mobilized tens of
thousands of volunteers in their communities on Day of Action.

“We’re excited to partner with Staples for the third consecutive year on
Day of Action to raise the literacy rates of young children,” said Evan
Hochberg, Chief Strategy Officer, United Way Worldwide. “We are grateful
to all of the Staples employees who are dedicating their time and energy
to create these literacy kits which will help kids keep reading
throughout the summer.”

While each United Way creates meaningful activities centered on specific
challenges, this year’s national focus is on summer learning and
nutrition. Summer is a critical time for children’s academic and
physical well-being, but in too many communities, kids are falling
behind and going hungry during the summer months. Boosting summer
learning – and working with schools, summer programs, employers and
other nonprofits – is part of United Way’s strategy to help kids succeed
in school, work and life.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples retail stores and Staples.com help small business customers make
more happen by providing a broad assortment of products, expanded
business services and easy ways to shop, all backed with a lowest price
guarantee. Staples
offers businesses the convenience to shop and buy how and when they want
– in store, online, via mobile or though social apps. Staples.com
customers can either buy online and pick-up in store or ship for free
from Staples.com with Staples Rewards minimum purchase. Expanded
services also make it easy for businesses to succeed with in-store
Business Centers featuring shipping services and products, copying,
scanning, faxing and computer work stations, Tech Services, full-service
Print & Marketing Services, Staples Merchant Services, small business
lending and credit services.

Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of
Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized
customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products
and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer
service, competitive pricing and state-of-the-art ecommerce site.
Staples Business Advantage is the one-source solution for all things
businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities
cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology,
furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered
outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South
America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about
Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Staples Community and Giving

Staples contributes to educational and job-related community efforts
with a primary focus on disadvantaged youth, from literacy and mentoring
to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and
grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples,
Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples has helped
thousands of organizations in 26 countries. For more information, visit http://www.staples.com/community.

Contacts

Staples, Inc.
Becky Sail, 508-253-2933
rebecca.sail@staples.com