Office Depot, through its Office Depot and OfficeMax store brands, are providing free supplies for schools.

The way it works is that customers can obtain a 5% merchandise certificate whenever they make a purchase, and this can go to any school of their choice to purchase much needed supplies.

Some products, however, including toner and ink are not included in the scheme.

Over 160,000 schools have already received some $29 million worth of merchandise certificates in the “Give Back to Schools” program.

The vice president of marketing at Office Depot, Inc., Diane Nick stated, “At a time when many states and companies that support education are decreasing funding, we are proud to support our customers and their local communities through the ‘Give Back to Schools program’. This program is a simple way for schools to earn free supplies to assist in their educational efforts.”

For more information about the program, please visit: officedepot.com/givebts.