(RALEIGH, N.C.) —WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) announced today it has passed the $1 million mark in new classroom supplies given to Wake County Public School teachers through its free classroom supply store, Tools4Schools. Tools4Schools first opened in January 2022 to provide free classroom supplies to Wake County Public School teachers. More than 7,643 teachers have shopped at Tools4Schools representing every public school in Wake County.
“When we launched Tools4Schools two years ago, our mission was simple – provide free classroom supplies to our amazing teachers who regularly spend money out of their own pockets for things their students need,” said Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership. “The need is great among our teachers, but thankfully the support from the community has been amazing.”
WakeEd Partnership will hold its Tools4Schools Community Supply Drive July 8 through August 26 to raise money and collect classroom supply donations from across Wake County. Tools4Schools accepts cash and supply donations year-round, but the summer is a critical time to re-stock the shelves for the new school year.
“We truly wish Tools4Schools didn’t need to exist, that the NC General Assembly adequately funded our public schools, so our students and teachers had everything they need to succeed,” said Poston. “But our teachers and students can’t wait and we as a community we can’t afford to wait either.”
Wake County teachers report spending about $900 a year out of their own pockets for necessary classroom supplies. Tools4Schools first opened in Cary but in January this year moved to a new home at 1816 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on the site of the former Bobby Murray Chevrolet car dealership, just down from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. WakeEd relocated Tools4Schools to be centrally located in Wake County and more accessible to the schools in most need.
The new location is already driving big increases in teacher shoppers. Tools4Schools has nearly doubled the amount given away this school year compared to Year 1.
- January 2022 through 2022-2023 School Year: $341,249
- 2023-2024 Schools Year (to date): $659,707
How to Support Tools4Schools
Make a cash donation. All gifts are tax-deductible. Click here to donate using a debit or credit card. Checks can also be mailed to WakeEd Partnership at 1816 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604. Please include Tools4Schools on the memo line.
Donate school supplies. In addition to Tools4Schools annual Community Supply Drive each summer, WakeEd accepts donations of new and gently used classroom supplies year-round to fill the shelves at Tools4Schools. A list of the most popular items requested by teachers can be found here. Donations can be dropped off year-round at Tools4Schools. Please coordinate large deliveries with the WakeEd team at Tools4Schools@wakeed.org.
SHOP TOOLS4SCHOOLS Amazon Wish List. Shop the Amazon Wishlist to buy items most-requested by teachers and ship to the shelves at Tools4Schools. Click here and select the Tools4Schools address at checkout.
Donate gently used office supplies. In addition to new supplies, WakeEd Partnership takes donations of gently used items for classrooms from companies, organizations, and individuals. Most requested used items include staplers and tape dispensers.
Host a supply drive. If your business or organization is interested in hosting a supply drive, click here to register your Tools4Schools classroom supply drive and click here to download our classroom supply drive kit and start collecting! If you have any questions, email Tools4Schools@wakeed.org.
Volunteer at Tools4Schools. WakeEd Partnership is seeking volunteers to help stock shelves, interact with educators, inventory supplies, package, and sort supplies. If your family, club, or organization is interested in volunteering, click here to sign up via Activate Good.
For information about additional giving opportunities, including corporate sponsorships, contact WakeEd’s fundraising team at development@wakeed.org.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a leading independent nonprofit backed by business and community leaders to support the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Since 1983, WakeEd has been committed to improving public education and advocating for excellent educational opportunities for all students. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.
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