In an effort to help local teachers receive the supplies they need ahead of the 2024-2025 school year, the Hamilton County Schools Foundation has opened its Teacher Supply Hub.

Serving as the county’s largest supplies source for teachers, this is where they can collect free items like pens, paper, staplers, flip charts, etc. Teachers can access the hub (located at The Hillcrest Center) up to four times a year by signing up online.

Why might teachers need this resource? Through the Tennessee Education Finance Act, the state gives $200 to each teacher every year to purchase school supplies. However, due to inflation, supplies that would have cost $200 when the bill was created in 1977 would now cost teachers ~$738.20, according to the foundation.

Executive Director of the Hamilton County Schools Foundation Krissa Barclay said supporting local teachers and relieving the burden of not having access to more supplies is a key mission of the foundation.

“We are fierce advocates of public school teachers because they need the resources to educate our county’s students effectively,” Barclay said.

The Teacher Supply Hub serves more than 2,700 Hamilton County educators every school year. The foundation works closely with community partners like the Women's Fund of Chattanooga + Junior League, to help keep the hub stocked.

The hub also accepts donations of new or gently used materials — note: Donations are tax deductible. Check out the Amazon wishlist or drop off donations at the central office location at 3074 Hickory Valley Rd.

Bonus: If folks are interested in volunteering to work a shift at the hub, contact Barclay via email.