JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s almost time for children to be back in their classrooms, and many Duval County Public Schools teachers prepared for the new school year Friday at the annual School Supply Depot in Lackawanna.
It’s a popular opportunity for teachers to load up on free supplies, the costs of which can add up quickly.
It’s even more valuable for first-time teachers, who start out with nothing.
“It's my first year teaching, and I heard this is a great place to come and get supplies and resources to help us out and have a successful class,” LaVilla Middle School teacher Timothy Lee said.
Teachers spend an average of $500 out of pocket a year on supplies for their classrooms.
“I spent $200,” Robert E. Lee High School teacher David Petersen said. “This year hasn't even started yet, so this definitely helps. I wish more people would be aware of this and actually donate supplies that we can use.”
The hundreds of teachers who arrived at the supply depot Friday found shelves and aisles full of pens, pencils, paper and other supplies, donated by local businesses and community members.
“I love trying to find things to help my students try to get a little organized,” Jacksonville Heights Elementary School teacher Mage Harris-Rowland said. “Free stuff can't go wrong.”
Teachers lined up as early as 3 a.m. to make sure their classrooms will be ready for their students. They were limited to three canvas bags, and no children were allowed.
“You never know what you're going to find,” kindergarten teacher Denise Epps said. “I've actually got a board that the kids could throw stuff through for carnivals. It’s like a big treasure hunt.”
People and businesses can donate year round to the Lackawanna School off Lenox by contacting Chris Buckley at 381-7480 or by e-mail at buckleyc@duvalschools.org.