Riverview School Teachers Surprised with Shopping Spree at Office Depot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/31/25

DYSART SCHOOLS - Fifty-six Riverview School teachers were surprised on Wednesday, July 30 with a shopping spree at Office Depot OfficeMax Store #6689 in Surprise, AZ thanks to a $20,000 donation through Office Depot’s Start Proud!® program. On the day before school began, the teachers arrived on school buses with no idea why they were there. Cheers, clapping, smiles, and even a few tears of joy quickly broke out when the donation was announced. The store was buzzing with excitement as the teachers began filling their carts with supplies they needed for the year. 

“At Office Depot, supporting education is at the heart of our mission,” said Britnye Kurty, senior manager of community investment at Office Depot. “We’re proud to help provide essential classroom supplies, easing the financial burden on teachers so they can focus on what matters most - helping their students succeed.” 

The special surprise was hosted in collaboration with the Dysart Education Foundation and Domtar Paper, to help teachers build the foundation for a successful school year. Each teacher was given $267 to spend as they wished throughout the store. Participants also received a mobile folding cart and gift bag from Office Depot, which included products that Crayola donated, and other local establishments like Einstein Bagels® generously provided breakfast for the educators.  

“We are deeply grateful for the generous donation from Office Depot and Domtar, and for the meaningful collaboration with the Dysart Education Foundation,” said Principal Josephine Tokhi. “This support goes far beyond a financial contribution. It empowers us to continue doing what we love - teaching, inspiring, and helping to ensure high levels of learning for all students.” 

Five thousand dollars of the donation is being managed by the Dysart Education Foundation, and with that, five other Dysart schools will be receiving $1,000 each to order paper or other supply essentials to support their needs throughout the school year. The schools selected to receive these donations are El Mirage Elementary School, Kingswood Elementary School, Luke Elementary School, Surprise Elementary School, and Thompson Ranch Elementary School. 

“We were honored and proud to participate in such an impactful event,” said Dysart Education Foundation President, Kristi Richards. “The Dysart Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting our hardworking teachers year-round, so when Brityne from Office Depot invited us to join, we were thrilled and grateful for the opportunity!” 

About Office Depot’s Start Proud!  

As part of Office Depot’s Start Proud!® program, nearly a thousand teachers will be impacted at ten schools, nationwide, with a series of surprise exclusive shopping events, facilitated in partnership with local education foundations to help educators create vibrant learning environments while alleviating their out-of-pocket expenses.