Free school supplies for a teacher?

Question

I'm going to be starting my teaching career this fall (August) and the school that I will be teaching at is a very low-income school in Arkansas. I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere I can get some free school supplies to keep in the classroom for those students that will come with nothing.

Answer 1

As far as what business would be best, I've heard that smaller, more local businesses are best.  I know that when I owned a business, if someone actually came into the store and asked for something I almost always gave them a donation, but over the phone it was so much easier to say, "No."

Check out the Walgreens ad online.  This week it's not so great, but last week they had really good deals on rulers, erasers, pencils, folders, composition books, highlighters, etc.  They'll probably run them again.  Half the time they don't have what they advertise, but they'll issue rainchecks.

I generally check out what's for sale at all of my local office supply stores, etc.  Of course, Wal-Mart's not too bad, either.

You can also sign up for donations on two websites, which I've done, but I don't know if you'll actually get anything.  I don't know anyone who has tried it.

www.iloveschools.com  

www.adoptaclassroom.com

I'm in AR,also.  Our local community has a box/trailer in the Wal-Marts for people to donate supplies to schools.  You might check with Wal-Mart, especially since it's based here.

Answer 2

Its tough to find free.

I work in urban Los Angeles - and I have to spend about 100 bucks a month on my classroom. Even School supply stores know we are a captive audience - they dont really discount to us.

today I got a email from a local chain supply store specifically for teachers - 10 bucks off a 75 dollar purchase! I get better than that waiting for their sale days. I am about to go crazy at the back to school days - Those composition books are great for science fair - and when that comes around - I usually have to pick up a number of them at 1.50 each - right now they are three for a buck. pay a little now - save later.

Good luck - I look forward to reading other responses to see what others have found.

Answer 3

Check out Ebay- if you type in Classroom LOTS sometimes retiring teachers put a WHOLE BUNCH of things for sale!  Also, check your newspaper- often.  Look under garage sales or teachers that are retiring.  There are a lot of treasures to be found!

Answer 4

As a teacher at a low-income school, I totally feel you!  I know of a few teachers who have written letters to local businesses or corporations asking them to sponsor the class for the year, and some have really come through.  So many large office buildings have an abundance of supplies that sometimes are just wasted, so making a few phone calls or writing some letters might be worth it!  I have also heard of others that have made promises that they couldn't keep, so just be ready for that, too.  Do you have Big Lots in Arkansas?  If so, I just saw a commercial that they are having an additional 10% off sale (I believe this Saturday) just for teachers!  Big Lots has some pretty good deals as it is, so this might be a good time to stock up on some basics.  Also, look out for the GREAT deals toward the end of summer at Target, Staples, etc.  They have a couple weeks where you can get spiral notebooks for 10 cents each, great deals on pencils, crayons, etc.  Make sure you ask different stores if they give a teacher discount, as well.  Or if you speak to the manager of some of those stores and tell them your situation, they might be able to help you out a bit.  It doesn't hurt to ask!    Good luck!  :)