My DD is teaching 4th grade this year so we went and bought supplies to start the year. She has been doing it for her class for 10 years. This way all the kids have what they need on the first day of school and no waiting for the parents to buy them. The students can bring their own items too - but it is easier for all concerned to have it all there. This way she doesn't have to worry about a student's family that can't afford things. There are so many expenses the start of school and this avoids any excuses. So those sales are wonderful. This year to get her class ready was about $500.00. A friend of hers has a Go Fund Me page, but my DD doesn't want to bother with that. She is single and can afford it. But after buying all the items, a friend convinced her to go to the local casino, they play bingo, but that day she tried playing the slots before leaving and hit a $2,400.00 jack pot. Told her was define intervention, paid off her classroom costs and a healthy portion to her church. (IRS will get their share too.)