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Classroom Central supports students, teachers for upcoming school year
A non-profit based in Charlotte has a purpose that evolves every school year.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'Supporting you': Classroom Central packs record number of backpacks for Carolinas students
Classroom Central is an organization that provides free school supplies to teachers for their students. With teachers welcoming their students back into the classroom next week, the need for resources continues to grow.
Teachers are able to go to Classroom Central once a month to shop for their students and their classrooms.
'We work with schools that have at least half of their kids receiving a meal subsidy,' said Karen Calder, the organization's executive director. 'Last year, we served a little over 200 schools. This year it's over 300 in six school districts.'
Kelly Beckham, who has been teaching for 30 years, has over 800 students because she's in her school's library. She said she can't afford to buy supplies for all of her kids.
'Prices are going up and it's becoming even more out of reach for a lot of our families,' said Beckham.
Classroom Central said teachers in North Carolina tend to outspend their counterparts in other states. On average, they spend $1,400 out of their own pockets each school year.
Angela Walker, a teacher from Union County, said she has spent thousands of dollars in the past four years. Walker said it's not just that the items from Classroom Central are free. The organization also saves time for busy teachers.
'This little bit of time is nothing compared to what I would have to spend doing it myself,' said Walker.
Donations from the community have allowed Classroom Central to have such a big impact. The organization is allowing al parties involved to focus on what's most important.
'To be effective educators and effective leaders,' Caldwell said.
The shelves need to be stocked at Classroom Central in order for teachers to get everything they need for their students.
Channel 9 is holding a special School Tools collection tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classroom Central is located at 2116 Wilkinson Boulevard, just outside Uptown.
If you want to help those in need, all you have to do it drive up and drop off your donation. There's no need to even get out of the car.
WATCH: Growing need: Classroom Central supports 300+ schools with supplies
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