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Hosting a school supply drive, contributing to one, or donating financially ensures STEM Library Lab is equipped to meet the growing needs of teachers who rely on us for their supplies. Nearly one-third of children in New Orleans live below the poverty line. While the average teacher spends $895/year out-of-pocket of their $55,911 average yearly salary.
The Teacher Free-Store is a community resource hub, a cost-saving engine, and a lifeline for educators who pour their hearts into their work every day. For teachers, the Free-Store means real support that makes their jobs sustainable. For administrators, it means lower out-of-pocket burdens for staff and stronger morale. For students, it means richer learning experiences and classrooms equipped for curiosity, creativity, and success. For donors, it’s a direct and deeply impactful way to invest in the people shaping our children’s futures.
- More than 1 in 4 U.S. public school teachers are missing the basic materials or staffing support needed to effectively do their jobs. Pew Poll
- 90% of teachers report spending their own money on classroom materials. Pew Poll
the Pew Survey found that 77 percent of teachers said their job was frequently stressful and 68 percent said it was overwhelming- Pew Poll - According to a 2025 national survey, the average teacher spent about $895 out of pocket on school supplies during the 2024–2025 year, and 97% said their school’s budget wasn’t enough to meet needs. (adoptaclassroom.org)
- The top reason teachers give for purchasing supplies (81%) is because they want every student to have the same opportunities in the classroom.(adoptaclassroom.org)
- Eight in 10 (82%) teachers said inflation and rising costs of school supplies were a concern for them.(adoptaclassroom.org)
There is a clear need for more accessible school supplies.
About the Supply Drive:
Who can participate: We invite everyone to host a drive - businesses, faith groups, nonprofits, social aid and pleasure clubs, dance krewes, sports teams, neighborhoods. Any group can pool their resources to support GNO educators.
When: Host your drive anytime! We recommend running your drive for a 6-week period.
- Let the Good Supplies Roll!: January 2026 – February 2026
- Fly into Finals: February 23 - April 3, 2026
- Back-to-School Drive: June 1 - July 17, 2026
- Midterm Restock: September 28 - November 6, 2026
- Season of Giving, Teacher Edition: November 6 – December 2026
Where: Host your drive online and in-person. Our toolkit will guide you on how to make it easy for folks to contribute with online donations, as well as physical donation drop offs. Your support will help sustain 162,000+ students and their teachers in our region for the school year.
