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                         Joyful Journeys Community Enrichment Chosen by

Staples Associate to Receive $3,500 Grant

Joyful Journeys Community Enrichment Selected by Local Associate to Receive Staples Foundation Grant

Denver, CO 8/17/2016 – Joyful Journeys Community Enrichment has been awarded $3,500 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change that allows Staples associates around the globe to direct more than $2 million in donations each year.

“Because of this grant Joyful Journeys Community Enrichment will now be able to offer a fun and safe atmosphere for children to grow and learn”-Executive Director, Tasha VanMarter

Created in 2012, the 2 Million & Change program is a philanthropic initiative which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations focused on academic education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization.

In 2015, Staples awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to 875 local organizations in support of education and job skills programs, including job readiness for homeless individuals, career exploration for high school students, academic scholarships, mentoring and more.

“For 30 years, Staples associates have been making a difference in their communities around the world,” said John Burke, chief culture officer, Staples, Inc., "We’re thrilled that the 2 Million & Change program lets our associate make an even greater impact on the organizations they are passionate about.”

Joyful Journeys Community Enrichment provides basic needs to struggling families like food, clothes, hygiene products, school supplies and Christmas presents.  We offer educational and life skills courses to help fight the struggle upstream and empower parents to regain their independence and a sound financial foundation.  Children are encouraged to participate in any of our numerous programs like our Joyful Jaguars Cheer Camp, our after school Laugh and Learn program, our Joyful Fitt exercise classes, our Joyful Celebrations events and more.

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 www.staples.com/community.