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Annual school supply drive to support public schools kicks off

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  • The governor’s annual school supply drive kicked off this week. Here’s how you can participate. #nced
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Gov. Roy Cooper’s School Supply Drive kicked off this week in an effort to encourage people across the state to donate school supplies in support of public schools, students, and teachers.

The drive runs from July 15 to Aug. 9, 2024, according to a press release. Requested supplies include:

  • Paper (all types, including copy paper);
  • Pens and pencils;
  • Crayons and markers;
  • Dry erase markers;
  • USB flash drives;
  • Spiral notebooks;
  • Sanitizing wipes; and
  • Tissues.

The drive is a partnership between the governor’s office, State Employees’ Credit Union, Communities In Schools of North Carolina, North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the North Carolina PTA, the Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools, and VolunteerNC (the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service).

“Our branch presence in all 100 counties makes this initiative a natural fit for the Credit Union, and we are so pleased to continue our support for North Carolina educators and students by serving as statewide collection sites for this campaign,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “We welcome everyone to stop by any of our branches to drop off their donated school supply items. Please join us in making this our best year yet.”

Donation bins will be located in all State Employees’ Credit Union locations across the state. North Carolina residents can contribute by dropping off items at a SECU location or by organizing their own drive at their workplace, according to the press release.

“Data shows that teachers spend on average $500-700 on school supplies each year to help their students succeed,” said Jill Cox, president and CEO for Communities In Schools of North Carolina. “Communities In Schools (CIS) affiliates across North Carolina know all too well how having the right tools to start the school year strong allows students to show up and engage in the classroom and with their peers without unnecessary barriers to success.”

At the conclusion of the drive, volunteers with Communities In Schools of North Carolina, the North Carolina PTA, VolunteerNC, the Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools, along with Cooper’s cabinet members, will help distribute the supplies to public school classrooms across the state.

Cooper has declared 2024 the “Year of Public Schools” and is spending this year highlighting North Carolina’s strong public schools, teachers, and staff across the state to show the positive impacts of a well-funded public education system on the state’s economy and communities.

Mebane Rash

Mebane Rash is the CEO and editor-in-chief of EducationNC.