Community

Charlotte teen on his 10th year of collecting school supplies

CJ Ciucha first collected for 9 School Tools in 2006, when he was starting kindergarten. He's continued every year since -- asking for school supply donations instead of gifts on his birthday. He even volunteers at Classroom Central, sorting donations from the collection.

“Giving the kids that normally wouldn't have the chance, the chance to learn and to be something better than they could be. It helps my heart to know that I can help,” said Ciucha.

In partnership with Classroom Central and Communities in Schools, WSOC-TV’s 9 School Tools covers 22 counties and is the largest school supply drive in the Carolinas. Over the past 20 years, 9 School Tools has been able to serve over 3 million students.
“When you start school prepared - when you’re confident and motivated to learn with those essential tools, it really sets you up for a great year,” said Lauren Johnson, director of communications and marketing at Classroom Central.
Ciucha is about to turn 16 and is once again asking for donations to 9 School Tools -- instead of gifts.

You can join Ciucha by donating school supplies at over 40 donation locations across the Carolinas from July 10 through Aug. 25.  You can find your nearest donation location by clicking on this link 9 School Tools Donation Locations.

You can also donate school supplies at forty WSOC-TV 9 Family Focus partner locations: Showmars, Ashley HomeStore or E.R. Plumbing Services.

Learn more about the 9 School Tools at www.9SchoolTools.com

If your organization or business would like to get involved or help with 9 School Tools or if you have an inspiring story to share, please email Kevin Campbell, community affairs manager for WSOC-TV, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com