OKC Schools Will Benefit from Panera Bread's "Pack their Backpacks" School Supply Drive

Oklahoma City – You start your day off right at Panera, now Panera Bread is asking you to help Oklahoma City Public Schools children start the year off right by donating the supplies their schools need every day. Panera Bread is teaming up with The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools to host the first annual "Pack their Backpacks" School Supply Drive August 3, 2008 – August 10, 2008. Supplies will be collected at Panera Bread’s five Oklahoma City locations from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.

"A fresh box of crayons, a spiral notebook, a new backpack...these common back-to-school items may not be as common this fall when students return to class. As families struggle to purchase basic necessities like food and gasoline, less money will be available for important supplies needed for learning," commented Heather Sparks, Oklahoma City Public Schools 2008 District Teacher of the Year. "Teachers, who typically spend upwards of $300 or more of their own money on classroom supplies annually, have less to give as well. Now, more than ever, schools and students need the support of the community."

Individuals who contribute supplies during the drive at one of Panera's five Oklahoma City locations, 3321 NW Expressway, 4401 West Memorial Road, 6800 N. Western Avenue, 10600 S. Pennsylvania and 2035 S. Meridian Avenue, may enter their name into a drawing for a free "Breakfast for 10" or a free "Bread for a Year" certificate from Panera for each supply donated.

"Panera Bread has always believed in the spirit of giving which is why we are delighted to be helping the children and teachers in our community," said Aubrey Iasiello, Panera Bread Marketing Manager. "We have wonderful guests and know they will support the school supply drive, as well."

Following completion of the drive, supplies will be distributed to individual schools in order of need until all the supplies are exhausted. Those who wish to donate supplies following the drive can make their donation to The Foundation’s Teachers Warehouse.

School supplies needed for this year’s drive are listed below and a printable list can be found at www.okckids.com/drive.

• Single-Subject Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled)
• White Loose Leaf Notebook Paper (wide ruled)
• #2 pencils
• Student scissors (pointed, Fiskers)
• Glue Sticks
• Elmers Glue Bottles
• Highlighters
• Ballpoint Pens (blue, black & red ink)
• Crayon Packs (24)
• Colored Pencils
• EXPO Dry Erase Markers
• 3 x 5 index cards (blank and lined)
• Reams of white copy paper
• Paper folders with 2 pockets and brads
• Standard/Metric Rulers
• 1” 3-ring binders (hard cover)
• Crayola Washable Markers
• Backpacks without wheels
• Sharpies
• Push Pins
• Divider tabs (5 tabs and 8 tabs)
• Flash Drive (128 MB or more)
• Scientific Calculator
• Hand Sanitizer
• Thesaurus
• Dictionary
• Multi-Colored Construction Paper packages

About Panera Bread
Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Midwest City, and Norman are owned by Oklahoma City Bakery, Inc., part of a franchise group that owns 27 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with 0 grams added trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed WiFi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company’s website, http://www.panerabread.com.