Volunteer Opportunity Details:

In low-income districts, school supplies are a luxury that many classrooms go without. A few months into the school year, teachers must purchase the supplies needed to run the classroom out of their already meager paychecks. Students who aren't given the necessary school supplies can become frustrated and have a difficult time in class. Readily available school supplies let students and teachers focus on what's really important - learning. The Teachers’ Supply Closet provides FREE school supplies to teachers in the tri-county area. To qualify for this program 90% of the students are on the free or reduced lunch program.

A needs assessment was conducted with teachers that have shopped at the ‘Closet’ and it was determined that the top ten needs of the students are:
• #2 pencils
• copy paper
• glue sticks
• crayons (24 pack)
• composition notebooks (regular and primary rule)
• washable (10 pack) and dry erase markers
• pink erasers
• folders
• scissors
• hygiene products (tissue paper, hand sanitizer, paper towels and baby wipes).

There are 6,500 students whose teachers will qualify to shop this coming school year. If every teacher shops the Teachers’ Supply Closet will need approximately: 650,000 pencils, 13,000 crayons, glue sticks, filler paper, notebooks, crayons and washable markers and 6,500 rulers.

The need for supplies is great and continues to be on the increase – please help us help our children.

A note from one of our teachers.

Thank you so much for all of the
school supplies you so graciously
gave to my students. I can’t express
how much it has motivated them to
write and try their best. You have
made such a big impact on my students’
lives and we can’t thank you enough!
Love
Ms. McGlothin

Unlimited number of teams

This opportunity is sponsored by: Teachers' Supply Closet

Volunteers will work with the following groups Students We need volunteers who are free at these times One-Time This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests Education & Technology

Contact Person: Deborah Halon, Chief Operating Officer, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

1401 Sam Rittenberg, Suite 11 Charleston, SC 29407 (See a map)

Directions:

We are located at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Suite 11 in the Ashley Landing shopping plaza. We are next to Players Place and West Wings. Our front door is directly across from the Ashley Landing sign.   Nearest Bus Stop: In front of store, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Expected Outcome
	The more school supplies we have the more supplies we can provide to the teachers and their students. This has a major impact on our community. When students are properly equipped with the necessary supplies they are able to put their energy into learning, self esteem improves and they are better positioned to aspire to better careers and lives. Without an education these children are not able to compete as adults in a work environment. Also, for South Carolina to continue to bring companies into the state we must be able to prove that our educational system and test scores are comparable to schools in other states.
What supplies are needed to complete this project
	Do a supply drive in your office or place of business. You can start immediately! Collect the needed supplies and on the Day of Caring, September 11, 2009, we will arrange for a drop-off time for your team to deliver the supplies. You will have a chance to tour the store, meet some Board members, volunteers and staff, have some treats and have your picture taken. You will also find some of the most friendly, warm and appreciative folks in town to help you off-load your donations! This is a project in which your staff, your clients/customers/neighbors and friends can participate for weeks, and even months before September 11th.
What supplies will volunteers be asked to provide
	#2 pencils copy paper glue sticks crayons (24 pack) composition notebooks (regular and primary rule) washable (10 pack) and dry erase markers pink erasers folders scissors hygiene products (tissue paper, hand sanitizer, paper towels and baby wipes)