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Photo Submission: Susan Draper/Commission of the Revenue 

As the 2023-2024 school year begins this month, Suffolk Education Foundation’s Stock the Store campaign has raised just a fifth of its $10,000 goal. 

The program, which originally started in 2018, provides Suffolk Public Schools teachers with additional school supplies at the Teacher Supply Store. Stationed at John F. Kennedy Middle School, the store provides monthly “shopping” for free supplies at no cost to the teachers. 

Ahead of the start of the school year, Suffolk Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper’s office made a $250 donation to the Teacher Supply Store. 

Draper explained the importance of the Stock the Store campaign.

“Teachers give so much of themselves. The Stock the Store Initiative is a great opportunity to show our appreciation and support of them,” she said. “I encourage everyone to partner with the SEF to give assistance directly to our teachers.”

Bethanne Bradshaw of the Suffolk Education Foundation said the campaign has currently raised $1,975 and is “just shy” of $2,000.

“Every donation of any amount supports student learning and improves teacher morale,” Bradshaw said. “With our $10,000 goal, the Stock the Stock campaign will continue through the school year … to meet ongoing purchases by the Teacher Supply Store during the 2013-14 school year.”

Bradshaw also notes that aside from funds raised, SEF is committed to providing monthly contributions for replenishing shelves and giving teacher-requested items. Reflecting on an article he read that said 90% of teachers buy supplies with their own money, SEF President David Miles explained how impactful the store is, especially with the rise of costs.

“I had the privilege of meeting some of the new teachers at the Teacher Supply Store and their feedback affirms why we offer these supplies. Many stated they have never worked in a school division that offers this type of support and expressed how grateful they are to have it,” Miles said. “We currently offer teachers 20 credits a month, which equates to approximately $20 a month. That’s money that can stay in the teacher’s pocket and valuable resources that can go towards helping with instruction.”

Miles stressed that each donation counts and is valued by SEF.

“The foundation, along with the teachers, appreciate the supporters of the Stock the Store campaign which directly benefits the classrooms of Suffolk Public Schools.”

For more information on the Stock the Store campaign, visit its website at suffolkeducationfoundation.org/stockstore.