A Total Makeover

Friends at Office Depot surprised 4KIDS this month with the unveiling of their custom “study center" created specifically for one of the 4KIDS residential homes, GirlsPlace. This new initiative was part of a national campaign that the company calls the #depotdifference. Plans for the study center were finalized earlier in July, and after weeks of planning took three days to build out and complete. The project was spearheaded by the National Director of Community Relations for Office Depot, Alex Price.

"We wanted to do something special and unique for these kids. We got together and said 'let's use our God-given gifts and talents to make something amazing for them,'" shared Alex.

Nationally, kids in foster care are at high-risk of dropping out of school and are less likely to pursue higher education. 4KIDS GirlsPlace is designed to give girls between the ages of 13-17 the chance to live in a family-style home with a full time house mom, instead of shift staff. With a new study center in place, these girls will be able to focus on schoolwork without distraction in a fun and friendly environment!

Office Depot has always had a passion for children and education. Their partnership with 4KIDS began a year ago, when they provided brand new furniture to the new 4KIDS Palm Beach office, which debuted this past April. In August, they also sponsored 4KIDS Annual Back to School Drive. Office Depot staff even volunteered their time to give out backpacks to the foster and adoptive families during 4KIDS Back to School Bash.

The study center is bright, inviting, and open, with inspirational quotes framed on the walls and comfy bean bags scattered about. The space is equipped with brand new computers, and music software was even installed for the girls to be able to record their own songs.

"This space represents so much more than nice stuff— it's telling our kids that they have value and are worth investing in," shared Rochelle Holmes, 4KIDS Residential Manager.