Panera Bread to Help Oklahoma City School
Kids Start the Year Off Right

The excitement of the first day of school is often intermingled with the thrill of having new school supplies. It’s a thrill Panera Bread wants to give kids whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Panera Bread is partnering with The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools for its second annual “Pack their Backpacks” School Supply Drive, August 2 – August 9, 2009. School supplies will be collected at five Panera Bread Oklahoma City locations from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.

The supply drive will benefit The Foundation’s Teachers Warehouse. The Teachers Warehouse provides free supplies to Oklahoma City Public School teachers each month via an online catalog, www.okckids.com/tw. In its first year, the Teachers Warehouse distributed more than $200,000 worth of supplies to 763 teachers serving approximately 19,000 students.

“Students arriving at school without the supplies they need for effective learning is a national problem,” said Robyn Hilger, The Foundation’s Program Director and 2006 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. “When this happens, teachers will reach into their own pocket to pay for the supplies their students need. Thanks to the on-going support of Panera Bread and its patrons, the Teachers Warehouse will have more supplies to give to Oklahoma City teachers and their students this year.”

Panera Bread’s school supply drive will target the basics for students in elementary school, middle school and high school, like pencils, pens, crayons, rulers, spiral notebooks and loose-leaf notebook paper. A complete list of the items needed is available on The Foundation’s website, www.okckids.com/supplydrive.

Individuals who contribute supplies during the drive at five of Panera’s Oklahoma City locations, 3321 Northwest Expressway, 7701 Northwest Expressway, 4401 West Memorial Road, 6816 N. Western Avenue and 2035 S. Meridian Avenue, may enter their name into a drawing for a chance to win a free “Breakfast for 10”, including bagels, pastries, orange juice and coffee, or a free “Bread for a Year” certificate from Panera for each supply donated.

“Panera Bread believes in giving back to our neighborhood communities. We are so excited to be helping the children of Oklahoma and know that supplies are definitely needed in times like these, said Aubrey Iasiello, Market Relations Manager of Panera Bread. “We have great guests and know they will be supportive of this cause.”

Those who wish to donate supplies following the drive can make their donation to The Foundation’s Teachers Warehouse by visiting, www.okckids.com. To volunteer at the Teachers Warehouse, please contact The Foundation at (405) 879-2007 or by e-mailing The Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator, Cristi Bergeron, cristi@okckids.com.

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.