Yesterday, Staples announced that it was donating $1 million to an online charity that helps teachers with classroom projects . But  the donation seems very suspect considering the recent endorsement from several teacher unions in  California, New Hampshire and Michigan   to boycott Staples.

Here is a portion of Staples  press release:

Staples Donates $1 Million to DonorsChoose.org to Support Teachers

–Jun. 12, 2014– Staples, Inc. is teaming up with global pop music superstar Katy Perry to “Make Roar Happen” and celebrate and support teachers during the back-to-school season. Staples is building on its long history of supporting teachers, students, and education by donating $1 million to DonorsChoose.org, a charity that has helped fund more than 450,000 classroom projects for teachers and impacted more than 11 million students.

To encourage teachers, parents and students around the country to ‘Make Roar Happen’ Staples will become the presenting sponsor of the North American leg of Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour, which resumes on June 22 in Raleigh, N.C.

Our $1 million donation will help teachers supply their classrooms just in time for back to school.”

A recent Staples survey revealed that 75% of parents of teen students believe a lack of school supplies is a significant challenge for schools today. Most teachers spend an average of $408.71 of their own money each year to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms. Staples’ customers are invited to ‘Make Roar Happen’ and help their local teachers by donating $1 to DonorsChoose.org

Well, in 2012 and 2013 Staples was not so charitable to teachers:

2012

 

It was with a heavy heart that I opened my email to find a Dear John letter from my former BFF.  It seems that they have changed their Teacher Rewards program. It used to be that when they had Extreme Deals during July and August for the back to school season, you could buy an additional 25 of any extreme deal product at the same price.

So, what is the new program?  It seems you can buy the limited quantities of the Extreme Deal, which is usually about two, at the super inexpensive price.  Now, any extras you buy will be the regular price.  I KNOW!!!!  Here’s how they think they are being a good guy, they will give you the full price of the other purchases on your teacher rewards to be used later.  Ahhhh, thanks Staples but really?  Not much of a perk!

From Teaching my friends

2013

Staples offers 5-10% discount which should really make a dent  into “teachers spend an average of $408.71 of their own money each year to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms. ”

Here is part of the press release announcing the discount:

In celebration of teachers,  the world’s largest office supply company and second largest internet retailer, today introduced the new Staples Teachers Rewards program, exclusively for educators. Beginning May 15, the program will give teachers 10 percent back in Staples Rewards on teaching and art supplies. For everything else, including technology and services, teachers will receive five percent back in Staples Rewards. As always, Staples Rewards offers fast and free shipping at Staples.com.

“At Staples, we appreciate the key role teachers play in the lives of students, and we know that many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, stores and online marketing, Staples. “We’re proud to support teachers throughout the year to keep their classrooms running smoothly and to help their students succeed.

So over past two years Staples cuts back on discounts to teachers and now they donate $1 million.