OfficeMax Rubber Bands Raise Money for City of Hope

ITASCA, Ill., May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OfficeMax(R) , one of the nation's largest office supply retailers, is now offering yellow rubber band bracelets to raise money for City of Hope, one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

From May 1 through the end of June, OfficeMax will give bright yellow rubber band bracelets inscribed with "OfficeMax Power of Hope" to anyone who contributes $2 or more to the campaign. The rubber band bracelets are inspired by the retailer's popular "Rubberband Man" commercials featuring a fun office supply guy who dispenses supplies while dancing around to the tune of "Rubberband Man" by The Spinners.

With the help of its customers, OfficeMax hopes to raise $270,000 through the two-month campaign, up from the $263,000 raised last year. Customers can make donations in any amount at participating OfficeMax stores nationwide.

"I am proud of the OfficeMax associates and customers who devoted time and energy to support research and treatment that will lead to finding a cure for cancer and other life-threatening diseases," said Sam Duncan, president and CEO of OfficeMax. "OfficeMax has a history of supporting research that will improve the heath of the communities it serves, both domestically and worldwide."

The two-month fundraising effort is one of many charitable campaigns that are part of the annual City of Hope campaign - a yearlong campaign that brings together office supply manufacturers and resellers to raise money for City of Hope. Last year the 2003/04 City of Hope campaign was led by OfficeMax and raised $5.4 million.

About OfficeMax(R) Incorporated

OfficeMax(R) Incorporated is a leader in both business-to-business office product solutions and retail office products. OfficeMax delivers an unparalleled customer experience - in service, in product, in time savings, and in value - through a relentless focus on its customers. The company provides office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions, and furniture to large, medium and small businesses and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by more than 40,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, Internet and nearly 1,000 superstores. OfficeMax trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OMX. To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX or more information can be found at http://www.officemax.com/ .

About City of Hope

City of Hope is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Named by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best medical centers for cancer treatment, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest designation bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

City of Hope's scientific knowledge is shared with medical centers locally and globally, helping patients battling life-threatening diseases around the corner and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.cityofhope.org/ . City of Hope...Where the Power of Knowledge Saves Lives(R).

OfficeMax Contact Media Contact Bill Bonner Colleen Grams, Bader Rutter & Associates 630 438 8584 262 938 5407