Why A Teacher Supply Depot?

       Teachers traditionally invest as much as $500 to $700 of their personal funds each school year for their classroom.  It can be a frustrating experience for both students and teachers.  Often the basic tools for learning are lacking — pens, pencils, paper, art materials, containers, binders, children’s books, staples and more. 

       The Teacher Supply Depot is designed to reduce those out-of-pocket expenses.  The depot collects,  consolidates, and organizes donated supplies so that teachers can take what they need free of charge.

       Openings to teachers are held at least 4 times during the school year on a Saturday.  Teachers line up early, sign in, take a number and wait for their number to be called to go through the organized areas.  The gymnasium not only serves as the waiting area but it is one of the best shopping areas at the depot.  Everything placed in the gym is unlimited.  Yes, a teacher can take as much as they need for their entire classroom as long as supplies last….posters, bookmarks, desk organizers, activity books, reading material, binders, and more. 

       After a teacher’s number is called they are then given a 5 gallon bucket to use as a shopping bag throughout the 4 organized areas and the hall area...and they can fill their bucket to its maximum.  They are also entitled to one bulky item… computer, games, baskets/containers, chair, desk, carpet samples, filing cabinets, etc (all based on availability).  

       In November 2001, the Knox County School System hired Cindy Britton, Co-founder and volunteer, to see to the day-to-day organizing of donations.  Cindy and the depot custodian, Sharon, are responsible for sorting, bagging, and organizing all donations.    

       Donations from individuals and businesses, as well as grant funds, keep the depot doors open.  Our teachers have truly benefited from our many donors.

       Lucy Spurgeon, Co-Founder, got the attention of school board members and school superintendent, Dr. Charles Lindsey, in the spring of 1999 when she pitched the depot idea at a school board meeting.  More than a year’s worth of work days later, the depot opened to teachers in January 2001.  A team of volunteers and board members who envisioned the depot organized the supplies into 4 rooms:  Basic Educational Supplies, Classroom Equipment, Arts & Crafts, and Paper Products. 

THE DEPOT SERVES KNOX COUNTY’S PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND TEACHERS’ ASSISTANTS ONLY!

 

Teachers are not allowed to bring bags, boxes, or carts. 

These will be provided.

Teachers...please do not bring your children on opening days.

A free store for our Knox County, Tennessee teachers and their assistants!

TEACHER SUPPLY DEPOT

Let creativity and imagination be your guide.  If you think it might be useable, call the Teacher Supply Depot before discarding it!  Remember, your donation is tax deductible.