Domtar Corporation has donated $100,000 to the nonprofit Office Depot Foundation’s National Backpack Program. Domtar’s donation to the award-winning program will help provide children across the country with the supplies they need to succeed as the new school year begins.

Over the years, promoting education and emphasizing literacy is an important pillar of Domtar’s commitment to support the sustainable development of local communities. Through its Powerful Pages initiative, Domtar engages with organizations and schools across North America , such as Classroom Central and First Book, to share the gift of reading and writing, and to help equip students for learning.

“A longtime supporter of the Office Depot Foundation, Domtar is proud to be a part of this important national program that provides children with the essential educational tools they need to read, learn, and succeed,” says Dick Thomas, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Domtar. “Promoting literacy is a core priority for Domtar. We’re committed to providing paper and writing supplies to children because extensive studies have shown that handwriting plays a unique and critical role in the learning process.”

Significant research, conducted by leading universities from Princeton to Vanderbilt , has demonstrated that handwriting has positive neurological benefits in children and helps students learn, remember, express ideas and perform better. A recent study conducted by the Association for Psychological Science demonstrated that those who use paper instead of a computer to take notes have a better comprehension of the subject matter studied.  

To distribute the sackpacks directly to children and nonprofit organizations, this summer, the Office Depot Foundation is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations in more than 20 cities across the U.S.  By giving deserving kids these valuable tools for success, the foundation helps them start school with confidence.

“For most children, the first day of school is an exciting time complete with new clothes and back-to-school gear,” says Office Depot Foundation president Mary Wong. “But for kids in families where money is tight, the experience can be just the opposite.  We believe that every child should have the opportunity to go to school with dignity and hope. The sackpacks and school supplies we donate help to level the playing field and give these wonderful children a reason to stand just a little bit taller.”

The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven bright and colorful designs that include essential school supplies.