CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9's annual School Tools collection begins Monday to give people the opportunity to donate school supplies to children in need.
SPECIAL SECTION: School Tools
Eyewitness News anchor Stephanie Maxwell talked to a teacher who said those donations ensure all students start school on a level playing field.
Over the years, Sarah Keit has used plenty of her own money for supplies that her fifth-graders either forgot or couldn't afford.
It's something she never envisioned when she started her teaching career.
"I thought, 'Oh, there's just endless supplies. People are going to bring you supplies,'" Keit, who teaches at Smithfield Elementary School, said.
As a result of the donations, she's able to shop for free supplies once a month at Classroom Central, an organization that provides supplies at no charge for teachers to pass on to their students.
Everything there is donated, with much of it coming through Channel Nine's 9 School Tools supply drive.
"If it wasn't for that lifeline, my focus would be more on materials and supplies than it is on instruction and care of the kids," Keit said.
The need for supplies is year-round, but the start of the school year is especially critical, Lauren Johnson, of Classroom Central, said.
"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," Johnson said.
The nonprofit needs community support to keep the shelves stocked.
Keit picked up pens, highlighters and markers that she knows will be a hit with her students. She doesn't want any of them to feel embarrassed or ashamed because they don't have the tools to learn.
"Once they have what they need, they're ready to go and they're on par with their classmates," Keit said.
School Tools collection sites are at Showmars, Ashley Furniture Homestores, Hendrick Honda and Piedmont Natural Gas.
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