As part of their “Let's Get Creative" campaign, launched in early 2024 to celebrate the release of Sharpie® Creative Markers and Paper Mate® InkJoy® Gel Bright! Pens, Sharpie and Paper Mate have announced a three-year $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Founded in 1860, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs annually serve nearly 3.3 million young people in 5,400+ Club facilities throughout the United States, on Native lands and in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations nationwide. The partnership underscores Sharpie and Paper Mate’s commitment to democratizing creative expression and serving the communities in which they operate.

“We are honored to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in their mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential,” said Kris Malkoski, Segment CEO of Learning & Development. “Through the Sharpie and Paper Mate partnership, we can help Club members unlock their creativity to make a positive impact in their local community.”

Gina Lazaro, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Newell’s Writing business, added, “We believe every child should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, and we want to empower them with the tools to do just that. Through the partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, our brands can build confidence and foster creativity.” 

As part of the partnership, the brands will contribute $600,000 in monetary donations and $400,000 in products over three years. The donations will support enhancements to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s arts programming, among their Clubs' most popular program areas. Additionally, the brands will serve as Back-to-School partners, providing essential school supplies so students can thrive in and out of the classroom.

"We know that access to creative resources benefits young people in a number of ways, including academics," said Chad Hartman, National Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Through our partnership with Sharpie and Paper Mate, we'll be able to expand and update our arts programming so that even more youth have access through our Clubs and can thrive this back-to-school season."

To further the impact of this partnership, the brands will join forces this year to host three events in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and New York, where Boys & Girls Club members will interact with the new products, create art and learn new skills. Sharpie and Newell Brands were also present at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2024 National Keystone Conference, an annual gathering of teen leaders” from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and U.S. military installations around the world. Nearly 1,500 teens and advisors attended this three-day event to participate in various service and leadership activities. Sharpie Creative Markers were at the forefront of a “Sip and Create” experience for the attendees, and Newell Brands was an exhibitor at their College & Career Expo.

To learn more about how Newell Brands gives back, visit our Communities page.