Classroom Connections is a store where teachers from schools with high percentages of students with free and reduced lunch can shop for free school supplies. Without help, North Carolina teachers, listed as 46th in lowest pay among all USA teachers, will continue to use their modest salaries to buy school supplies for their pupils. According to NC Policy Watch, North Carolina ranks 48th in per pupil spending. Our teachers need their communities’ support.
Classroom Connections' mission is to have a continuous impact on meeting the teachers’ needs for classroom materials for every student in our community. The teachers' resource provides classroom supplies such as pencils, paper, glue, pens, poster board, notebooks, workbooks, rulers, calculators, graph paper, copy paper, etc. to local teachers at no-charge - yes, FREE.
Classroom Connections operates out of Bethel United Church of Christ’s Fellowship Hall located at 4547 Bethel Church Rd in Hickory. The store will reopen in the fall for teachers in Catawba County to shop by signing up for one of 45 spots on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 6pm. Until then, the community's help is needed to stock the shelves.
How To Help
- Donate Supplies - While shopping for your kids' supplies, purchase a few additional materials to donate to Classroom Connections. Every bit helps!
- Host a Supply Drive - Champion a supply drive at businesses, churches, service organizations, and social connections.
- Volunteer - Serve behind the scenes by stocking the warehouse, displaying goods in store, sorting deliveries, checking out duties, loading teachers' cars, greeting, setting up shopping area, emptying shopping area, and welcoming those who serve the children, among our most prized possessions. Classroom Connections welcomes other service organizations, teachers, students, and community service volunteers.
- Donate Money - Every gift is appreciated and helps Classroom Connections fulfill their mission to serving and helping our local teachers!
How to Donate
- Financial donations can be made online or payment mailed to Classroom Connections, 4547 Bethel Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602.
- Supplies can be dropped off at the following collection points:
- Bethel United Church of Christ's Fellowship Hall
- Speedy Lube in Newton
- State Farm Insurance in Newton
For additional information or to volunteer or host a drive, visit www.classroomconnectionsnc.org, call 828.461.6737 or email cc.information@yahoo.com.
