WHEN:
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
1:00–4:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Tools4Schools at WakeEd Partnership
1816 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
WakeEd Partnership’s Tools4Schools, the free classroom supply store for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) teachers, will reopen Wednesday, August 19, for the new school year. Teachers will be shopping from 1:00–4:00 p.m., and media are invited to visit, interview teachers, staff and capture back-to-school shopping.
The NC Courage will help WakeEd welcome teachers back and show appreciation as they prepare their classrooms for students. Members of the Courage organization will be on site on opening day, along with LaCroix, providing sparkling water, sweet treats and other giveaways for teachers as they shop. NC Courage mascot “Roary” will make a special appearance from 3:00–4:00 p.m.
The partnership continues on Saturday, August 22, when the NC Courage hosts Back to School Night and collects school supplies from fans to benefit Tools4Schools they will deliver to Tools4Schools on August 24. Fans who donate school supplies will receive $20 in Courage Cash to use at the stadium at a future game. $5 from every ticket purchased through our special link will be donated to WakeEd Partnership to support local teachers and students.
NC Courage vs. Boston Legacy FC
Saturday, August 22, 7:30 p.m.
Grab your tickets: https://tickets.nccourage.com/offers/6796
Tools4Schools Impact
- During the 2025–26 school year, Tools4Schools distributed $486,234 in new school supplies to Wake County Public School System teachers and served more than 5,600 educators representing 100% of WCPSS schools.
- Since opening in 2022, WakeEd has distributed more than $2.1 million in new school supplies to Wake County teachers through Tools4Schools.
- In a recent survey, 94% of teachers reported that Tools4Schools reduced their out-of-pocket spending. Teachers spend an average of more than $1,000 of their own money each year on classroom supplies.
WakeEd launched its annual Back to School with Tools4Schools campaign on July 7. The core community-wide school supply drive runs through August 21, helping stock Tools4Schools for the start of the traditional school year. Donations are needed throughout the year to keep the shelves stocked and ensure teachers have access to free classroom supplies.
For more information about Tools4Schools or how to donate, visit wakeed.org/tools4schools.
MEDIA CONTACT
Keith Poston
WakeEd Partnership
kposton@wakeed.org | 919-780-5205
