Volunteers with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are bringing school supplies to four schools in Dallas and Plano as part of the organization's "Stock the School" initiative. The United Way says 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies and decorations, and the average teacher spent $800 last year.
"It's a really important investment because we know so many teachers spend a lot of their own money getting their classrooms ready for school," says Susan Hoff, chief strategy and impact officer of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
Hoff says the donations can show students they are welcome in school with people who want them to succeed.
"We want kids to know you've got a community at school," she says. "Everybody is supporting you and invested in your success not just your first day but long-term. We also want teachers and educators to know we've got your back, too."
Volunteers brought boxes of school supplies and also helped build shelves and other furniture at JN Ervin Elementary Thursday.
"I don't think people really know how much it is, not just at the beginning of the year but throughout the year, [teachers] spend their resources," says JN Ervin Principal Tenisha Allen.
Allen says having school supplies for everyone and completed furniture in place can help kids get into the mindset of learning as soon as they return from summer break.
"This event that's providing so much support is a big deal," she says. "It's a huge empowerment to our teachers and a huge 'thank you' to all the things and sacrifices they've made over the years."
"It's important to reach back, serve, and we understand all the hands that can be used need to be used. We just want to be there," says volunteer Wendelin Donahue.
Donahue works at SMU and says the university partners with United Way on "Stock the School" each year.
"You get the environment right, you get the spirit right, you get the energy right, that sets up learning. That sets up quality experience. That sets up students feeling appreciated. That sets up teachers feeling appreciated, and it's just an endless cycle," she says.
People can donate to "Stock the School" here. You can also send virtual cards to teachers here.
Next year is United Way of Metropolitan Dallas' 100th anniversary.
"This event, Stock the School, is the beginning of our centennial," Hoff says. "Those first hundred years were amazing. We drove all kinds of impact in education, income and health. I know for sure the next hundred years are going to be even better."
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