South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper announced the commencement of the Governor’s School Supply Drive, urging residents across North Carolina to donate school supplies to support public schools, students, and teachers. On average, North Carolina teachers spend up to $750 annually from their own pockets for classroom supplies.

“It’s unfortunate that teachers still have to dip into their own pockets to buy some of the school supplies for their classrooms and this is a way all of us can help,” said Governor Cooper. “Donating school supplies is a way to support the learning environment while giving our teachers the respect they deserve.”

The drive will run from July 15 to August 9, 2024. The State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) and Communities in Schools of North Carolina are partnering with the state to collect and deliver supplies. Additional partners include the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina, and North Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools. This marks Governor Cooper’s eighth annual school supply drive.

Governor Cooper's proposed budget includes significant investments in public education, including an 8.5% increase in teacher pay with a $1,500 retention bonus and a $1 billion investment in public schools statewide. This funding aims to hire more educators, nurses, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and turnaround coaches.

“Our branch presence in all 100 counties makes this initiative a natural fit for the Credit Union,” 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.”

“Data shows that teachers spend on average $500-700 on school supplies each year,” said Jill Cox, President and CEO for Communities In Schools of North Carolina. “Having the right tools allows students to show up and engage without unnecessary barriers.”

Requested supplies include paper (all types), pens and pencils, crayons and markers, dry erase markers, USB flash drives, spiral notebooks, sanitizing wipes, and tissues.

Donation bins will be located at all SECU locations across the state. Residents can contribute by dropping off items at SECU locations or organizing drives at their workplaces.

At the conclusion of the drive, volunteers from various organizations will distribute supplies to public school classrooms statewide.

The Governor’s School Supply Drive is part of Governor Cooper’s commitment to public education during what he has declared as the “Year of Public Schools.” This initiative highlights North Carolina’s strong public schools’ positive impacts on its economy and communities.