JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Teacher Supply Depot reached out to hundreds of employees and parent-teacher association presidents within Duval County on Friday with a back to school giveaway.
"We were here like 5 o'clock in the morning, that early, so we can get in line first and get the good stuff," teacher Mitch Thomas said.
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The event was held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Teacher Supply Depot at 3108 Lenox Ave.
Participants were asked to bring with them three canvas tote bags to fill with items. No bags on wheels or garbage bags were permitted due to safety concerns. The goal with the tote bags: fill them up.
"I'm finding all kinds of stuff for students, files to put their files in," teacher Mrs. Edwards said. "All kinds of stuff, books, materials, posters, everything we need for the classroom."
The giveaway was put together through a public-private partnership to help get teachers as prepared as possible for the upcoming school year.
"Obviously, we've had budget cuts over the years. We've cut around $96 million in the last four years in our district," Duval County School Board member Becky Couch said. "So that typically is going to happen in the supply area first at a school level before they would cut teachers."
The giveaway saved money for the school system and giving teachers a chance to get necessities.
"Oh, this is very important," Thomas said. "I mean, we don't get much supplies, so this is the way to get it for free, you know."
Attendees were required to have a Duval County Public Schools ID for admittance, and upon arrival they had to sign in and receive a number. No children or guests were allowed.