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About 9 School Tools

WSOC-TV's 9 School Tools campaign is a part of the Channel 9 Family Focus brand and was introduced in 1997. Covering over 22 counties, this is the largest school supply drive in the Carolinas and has served over 3 million children to date. In partnership with Communities in Schools Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Classroom Central, WSOC-TV collects school supplies for two weeks during the month of August, which are then distributed to students in grades K – 12. These items play a big role in preparing students to be successful in the upcoming school year.

GALLERY: #9SchoolTools behind the scenes images

Where can I bring my donation?

Channel 9 asks viewers to drop off school supplies to any Showmars, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Hendrick Honda or Piedmont Natural Gas location beginning August 3rd through the 14th. Click here for a map of locations. Any school supplies raised in local fundraisers stay in the collecting county.

WATCH: How does my donation help?

There will be a kick off event at Ballantyne Corporate Park on Aug. 3 at noon. Collection day at WSOC-TV is Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The address for WSOC-TV is 1901 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206.

What are the most commonly needed school supplies?

•  Pencils
•  Pens
•  Crayons
•  Markers
•  Colored pencils
•  Composition books
•  Single subject notebooks
•  Loose-leaf paper
•  1 pocket folders
•  Rulers
•  Erasers
•  Glue sticks

Additional details:

Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. is the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. Last year 99 percent of students enrolled in their programs stayed in school and 94 percent were promoted to the next grade level.

VIDEO: Teachers talk about 9 School Tools campaign

Classroom Central serves 100,000 students in over 200 schools in 6 school districts. Over 50% of our region’s students are living in poverty.

How can I connect on social media?

Use #9SchoolTools on Twitter to search for the campaign in your area.

Social media updates on the campaign: