Local nonprofit looks to fill critical school supplies need for students, teachers

As students prepare to return to learning later this month with remote-only classes, teachers are making sure they have the necessary supplies to instruct their classes virtually.

Classroom Central is offering them a safe option so they can still get everything they need for their classes while keeping COVID-19 in mind.

The nonprofit not only provides free school supplies to thousands of students in our area, it also works to support teachers.

Teachers and personnel from eligible schools can now shop for school supplies on Classroom Central's website. They submit their online order and volunteers pack up their items.

Then the educators can pick up their orders at a drive-through, contactless, curbside pickup location.

Classroom Central is also allowing teachers to pick up supplies for students, who may not have all the supplies they need to start the school year.

“A lot of teachers are going to be doing home visits, as are social workers and guidance counselors, so we’re going to make sure we’re equipping them as they make those home visits to make sure kids are healthy, socially and emotionally,” said Karen Calder, executive director of Classroom Central.

The online ordering option is available to any eligible teachers in the nearly 200 schools served by Classroom Central.

Since 1997, in partnership with Classroom Central and Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the WSOC-TV 9 School Tools program has collected school supplies, which are then distributed free to students in grades K-12.

Covering 22 counties, 9 School Tools is the largest school supply drive in the Carolinas and will run now through August 31.

You can donate the school supplies at any Arby’s, Ashley HomeStore, E.R. Plumbing Services and Charlotte Fire Department stations.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A DONATION LOCATION NEAR YOU.

Financial donations can also be made to the 9 School Tools program at different levels of giving that support Classroom Central.

For example:

• A donation of $9 will help provide homework supplies for students.
  
• A donation of $25 will help fill a student’s backpack with school supplies.
  
• A donation of $50 will supply a teacher with essential school items.
  
• A donation of $100 will supply an entire class with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) kits.
  

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION TO CLASSROOM CENTRAL AND 9 SCHOOL TOOLS.

Learn more about 9 School Tools at www.9SchoolTools.com.

Local nonprofit looks to fill critical school supplies need for students, teachers -- Part 2 Local nonprofit looks to fill critical school supplies need for students, teachers -- Part 2

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