Community members come together to support local educators during the school supplies drive.
The ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive is set to support local teachers and students in need. With significant financial strains on educators, the event encourages the community to donate school supplies and funds through various methods, including an Amazon wish list. This year’s drive benefits from sponsorship and aims to alleviate challenges faced by educators, especially during the back-to-school season, while raising awareness around student needs.
Houston – The ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive is set to take place on August 8, 2025, with the goal of raising funds and collecting supplies for local teachers and students in need. This event aims to support educators who often find themselves financially strained, spending significant portions of their own earnings on essential classroom supplies.
Last year’s drive was notably successful, raising nearly $30,000 through cash donations and school supply contributions. This year’s efforts are bolstered by sponsorship from Amazon and Terry Bryant, who aim to enhance the drive’s impact on the community. Eyewitness News anchors and reporters will play a vital role by broadcasting live from multiple collection sites across southeast Texas, allowing for community engagement and awareness during the event.
Donations for the school supplies drive can be made conveniently in several ways. Individuals may contribute directly through an Amazon wish list tailored for the event, text the code “SYSS2025” to 71777, or make donations online. All contributions will directly benefit the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs, which have been facing significant financial challenges. The Food Bank is currently dealing with $11 million in cuts to its federal funding, posing a threat to its ability to aid families in need, particularly during the back-to-school season.
Financial strain on educators is a growing concern. A survey noted that, on average, teachers spent between $800 and $1,000 of their own money on school supplies during the Fiscal Year 2024. In Texas alone, educators reportedly spent approximately $300 million of their personal funds on teaching supplies in 2023. With over 90% of teachers nationwide investing their own money, many are seeking assistance through initiatives like the Houston Food Bank’s programs.
The statistics regarding student preparedness reveal alarming trends. A report indicates that 62% of students arrive at school without the necessary supplies on the first day, and a further 69% do not have replacement supplies available for the second semester. This lack of access is especially pronounced among students from lower-income families, where many struggle to obtain even basic supplies like paper, pencils, and markers—items deemed essential by 82% of teachers.
Teachers in urban schools, where 90% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, along with those in rural schools with 70% of similar qualifications, are eligible for assistance through the School Programs. The Backpack Buddy Program and School Market Program also aid these educators in providing for their students’ needs.
The financial burdens faced by teachers have led to an increase in their out-of-pocket expenses, rising by 49% since 2015. In the current school year, the average spending on supplies by teachers has reached $895. The pressures of inadequate resources have resulted in significant numbers of educators contemplating leaving the profession, with 45% expressing dissatisfaction due to insufficient support.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the ABC13 Share Your School Supplies special, which will air on August 8 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Viewers can witness the efforts being made to provide essential supplies to struggling educators and students.
Collection sites for the drive will be scattered throughout various locations including Houston, Galveston, Richmond/Rosenberg, Spring, and Sugar Land. As the drive approaches, community involvement becomes crucial in alleviating the challenges faced by local teachers and ensuring students have the necessary tools for success in the classroom.
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