The donation Tuesday came from Give Something Back, an Oakland-based office supply company that donates the bulk of its after-tax profits to community groups.

"This was something special, given the state of the Oakland school district," said Mike Hannigan, an owner of Give Something Back. "There's a direct connection between supporting Oakland schools and the quality of life of our employees and our customers."

District spokesman Ken Epstein said the paper, about 20 pallets worth, will be distributed to schools throughout the district.

The 17,000 cases of recycled paper will be handed out next week, Epstein said.

Each year, Give Something Back employees and customers vote on which Oakland-based charities will receive financial donations. The company says 92 percent of after-tax profits are given out annually.

But in a separate philanthropic move, Hannigan said, the company chose to donate paper to the schools, since it is universally needed by the district.

"This is a product that will not go to waste," Hannigan said.