Ways to Help Teachers Keep Their Classrooms Stocked

According to a survey by Kelton Research, 97% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies. Last year $350 was the average teachers took from their own pockets to pay for supplies and materials, according to the National School Supply and Equipment Association. Help lift the burden of providing paper, pencils and more by keeping classrooms stocked.

Win a Computer Lab - Become the hero of your favorite school by winning them a computer lab valued at $10,000 through the Rack Room Shoes Photo Contest. Upload your favorite school photo of yourself, your kids or a loved one before August 21. Then get your friends and family to vote. One winner will score the computer lab, plus an Apple MacBook of their own.

Tell Your Teacher About Available Grants - Organizations like the Kids in Need Foundation provide grants to teachers interested in creative education. This year all teachers who apply for a grant receive poster making and bulletin board supplies from ArtSkills. Winning entries receive between $100 and $500 for financing fun classroom projects.

Shop at Office Depot - When you shop at Office Depot and present your school’s 5% Back to Schools ID number, Office Depot will give your school credits equal to a percentage of your qualifying purchase. That money can then be used to buy free supplies all year long.

Earn $75,000 for Your High School - Head to Famous Footwear’s Facebook page for the chance to win up to $75,000 for your high school and up to $25,000 for yourself. The more votes you collect the more money you could win. Just think how many school supplies your favorite teacher will be able to buy with that kind of cash.

Donate through Supply Our Schools - To date Supply Our Schools has served more than 60,000 children and more than 400 teachers in 41 states by supplying classrooms with needed materials and supplies. Search SupplyOurSchools.org for a school supply list created by a real teacher, coach or counselor.

By Alison Storm

OfficeMax sale - All desktop supplies are buy 2, get 1 free through 08/20/2011.

ReStockIt coupon - Save $10 on orders of $50 or more with coupon code AFDEAL1 through 09/30/2011.