Staples wants to make it easy for teachers to have the tools they need to do their job by hosting a Teacher Appreciation Day at store locations across the country. Each year, teachers spend an average of $475 of their own money on classroom materials and supplies, according to a report, Teacher Buying Behavior 2006-2007, from Quality Education Data, Inc.

"A tough economy and tighter budgets mean teachers are spending more of their own money to keep their classrooms stocked," said Shira Goodman, executive vice president of marketing for Staples. "Teacher Appreciation Day is our way of letting teachers know how much they are valued and to make it easy for them to have the supplies they need to do their job. Last year, more than 280,000 teachers came to Staples stores nationwide to receive Teacher Appreciation Day gift bags, and we hope to help even more teachers in 2008."

The first 200 teachers visiting Staples stores on Teacher Appreciation Day, Saturday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will receive raffle prizes and a 512-MB flash drive giveaway -- perfect for taking files between the classroom and home. Teachers will also have the opportunity to preview new products and services at Staples, such as the Crayola Dry-Erase Magnetic Eraser and Stickers Dispenser, and the Staples Copy and Print Center full-service capabilities.

* Teacher Appreciation Day will be held on Aug. 2 at the Spencer Staples store located at 700 11th St. S.W.