The annual Tools4Schools school supply drive collected more than 400,000 items to stock WakeEd Partnership's free classroom supply store.
Since Tools4Schools reopened for the new school year on August 6, 1,061 teachers have shopped and left with $126,117.66 in new classroom supplies at no cost, an average of $119 per shop for each educator.
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According to WakeEd research, Wake County teachers spend an average of $926 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies each year. Since Tools4Schools began, more than $1 million in new classroom supplies have been given to Wake County Public School teachers through its free classroom supply store.
What school supplies do teachers need most?
Teachers ask for the basics – pencils, pens and paper, notebooks and folders – along with cleaning supplies like wipes and tissues and office supplies like tape, pencil sharpeners and paperclips.
Download the school supplies wishlist created by WakeEd to start your shopping spree.
Donate school supplies year-round
In addition to the annual Community Supply Drive in the summer, WakeEd accepts donations of new and gently used classroom supplies year-round to fill the shelves at Tools4Schools.
Drop off – Donations can be dropped off year-round at the Tools4Schools warehouse, at 1816 Capital Blvd. in Raleigh. Coordinate your delivery by contacting the WakeEd team at Tools4Schools@wakeed.org.
Donate online – gifts are tax-deductible, and the 4 Others Foundation is matching all monetary donations through September 30 up to $20,000.
Mail a check – Checks can be made out to WakeEd Partnership with Tools4Schools in the memo line. Mail to WakeEd Partnership at 1816 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Shop the Amazon Wish List – select from items teachers needs and ship direct to the Tools4Schools warehouse.