ABC13 School Supplies Drive Supports Local Teachers

News Summary

The ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive aims to assist Houston teachers and students in need. Sponsored by Amazon and Terry Bryant, the drive encourages community contributions and raises awareness about the challenges educators face in providing essential classroom supplies. This year’s event continues to build on last year’s success, which raised nearly $30,000. Participants can donate cash or supplies to benefit the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs, addressing critical resource shortages for low-income students and educators who often spend their own money on supplies.

Houston – The ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting local teachers and students in need, is set to take place on Friday, August 8, 2025. Sponsored by Amazon and Terry Bryant, the annual drive seeks to alleviate the burden on educators, many of whom spend significant amounts of their own money on classroom supplies.

Last year’s drive saw nearly $30,000 raised through cash donations and school supply contributions. This coming event aims to build on this success with live coverage from various collection sites throughout southeast Texas by eyewitness news anchors and reporters, enhancing community engagement.

Individuals wishing to contribute to the cause can donate now, during, and after the event through several methods, including text donations and online donations. To donate via text, participants can send the message “SYSS2025” to 71777, ensuring their contributions directly support students and teachers.

The drive benefits the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs, which assist teachers in low-income schools, where students often face significant challenges in acquiring necessary supplies. A troubling statistic reveals that approximately 62% of students arrive at school on the first day without essential items needed for learning. This drive is not only about providing supplies but also supports educators who work tirelessly despite financial hardships.

In Fiscal Year 2024, teachers reported spending between $800 to $1,000 of their own money on school supplies. This trend is exacerbated by the Houston Food Bank facing an $11 million cut in federal funding, significantly impacting its ability to assist families and schools in need. Additionally, data shows that 90% of teachers from the National Education Association spend their personal funds on supplies, reflecting a national issue with educator resources.

In Texas alone, educators spent nearly $300 million out of pocket on school supplies, revealing a stark reality for many teachers who earn low salaries. The situation is particularly dire in urban schools, where approximately 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and in rural schools with around 70% eligibility. In response, the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs include initiatives like the Backpack Buddy Program and the School Market Program, aimed at supporting these vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, a recent survey highlights that, in the 2024-2025 school year, teacher spending out of pocket continues to rise, currently averaging $895, which is a 49% increase since 2015. Alarmingly, 20% of teachers reported taking on additional jobs to meet financial demands, a figure that has grown by 25% since 2023. Essential classroom supplies that are most in demand include paper, pencils, and markers, with 82% of educators emphasizing their critical role in the classroom setting.

The challenges teachers face extend beyond financial burdens; 45% of surveyed educators have considered leaving the profession due to feelings of being under-resourced and unsupported. This situation underscores a pressing need for community support through initiatives like the Share Your School Supplies Drive.

The upcoming drive is an opportunity for the Houston community to demonstrate its commitment to educational equity by providing essential resources that not only benefit teachers but also enhance the learning experience for students. A special broadcast will air on ABC13 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on August 8, 2025, to further encourage public involvement and raise awareness about the critical need for school supplies in local schools.

In conclusion, the ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive serves as a vital reminder of the challenges faced by teachers and students and highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing these needs. With the support of organizations like Amazon and Terry Bryant, as well as the active participation of local residents, this initiative promises to make a significant impact on education in the Houston area.

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