Every year we collect school supply donations for students. This year we wanted to try something different. Something that has a bit of a multiplying effect. Something that helps the teachers that help the students. Yep, this year we are raising school supplies for teachers!

Teachers work so hard for their students and often have to buy supplies out of their own pockets, or use materials that are old and tattered. We figured if we could get them the supplies they need to teach their students–both parties win. So, we’re launching our first Giving Tree effort. Our Back To School edition, if you will.

Here's how it works…. First, we put out a call to area teachers to send us their wish lists for the school year. We heard from teachers in school districts all across the DMV, from Prince George’s County to Prince William to Alexandria to Arlington. Some folks were very specific and others left it up to you to decide. They asked for backpacks, lots and lots of (pre-sharpened) pencils and sticky notes, composition books and sketchbooks, book books, and my favorite request: colored cardstock paper (lots of it!) for 7th graders to do their science fair projects. The last day to submit lists is July 31, so if you’re a teacher and reading this, add to it here.

Next, you choose what to purchase for teachers. At Penny Post we have a bulletin board where we like to display invitations, holiday cards, etc. Because some teachers needed 60 of this or 100 of that, we decided to break up the lists into bite-size portions to make it digestible for folks. On the board we have tacked up the items teachers requested. Simply stop in at Penny Post and pull from the board what you want to donate.  

The rest is easy. Shop for the items – some from Penny Post and Pippin, most from big box stores – then drop them off or have them sent to Penny Post by August 11. If you are shipping something to Penny Post, please note on the shipping label “Giving Tree.”

We will take care of the rest! Thank you in advance for all that you do for this community. Every little bit helps. A few reams of colored card stock for science fair projects might just inspire the next Einstein, Marie Curie, or Katherine Johnson.  

SEE ALSO: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!  August 3rd is Stationery Store Day!!