I spoke with one of our elementary teachers and asked if the school was still providing craft needs for the students. She said that each teacher is allotted $100 dollars for the whole class for the entire year. It has to cover whatever is needed---pencils, paper, etc.---that the parents don't or won't provide. I asked her if I went through my craft stash and pulled out some things like ribbon, lace, google eyes, felt, yarn, plastic canvas, paint, etc. if they would be able to use it. I told her I'd sort it, bag it neatly, and label it before donating it and that it would be from a smoke-free, pet-free home. She said that they'd be tickled to death to get a box or more of goodies for the children to use. I'd like to encourage all of you crafters out there to check with your local schools and see if you can help them out. In Illinois, for sure, the schools need all the help they can get.

Here the pre school was looking for old plastic c cards, the ones w/no name, TP spools, Thread Spools, Coffee filters, have no idea what most of it was used for, didn't matter and not long ago just simple people to help with projects.
That way could teach a topic with a little underfunded unsupported art added in. :)

Our k-5 art teacher at school always takes my "crumbs" and whatever else I can find at garage sales. She's always delighted to see me coming. :-D

Most schools need supplies, with budget cuts teachers did into their own pockets. I no longer have small children in school. I see all the crayons, paper and pencils I remember how thrilled I was to get new supplies for school. Yes I do take some of my sewing cash and purchase as many supplies for needy students. Then take then to school, knowing some child can smile because they have new stuff. Do I miss the cash No. Try shopping for a child, your heart will be happy.

My granddaughter in kindergarten last year brought home a letter needing material, I asked why when I went to the school and they told me the kids in kindergarten were going to read a book about a girl making a quilt and each child was going to make a quilt. The quilt store near us had a room with scrap material a dollar a pound went and bought them 14.00 worth a material took it to school and the kids never did get to make a quilt.

Amen! W-M, Target, Walgreen's, Staples and others all have huge sales this time of year. Many items 4/$1 or even less. Some free with rebate. Elementary schools always need paper, notebooks, crayons, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue sticks. Pick one item and buy a bunch or get a little of each. I have 5 grands at one school, and send a care package to each teacher. They can share with kids whose families can't get the new stuff.
Also tissues and hand sanitizer. Healthy snacks like crackers or fruit on sale. If we all help a little, it makes a huge difference in a child's life! Those kids will be working to support us in our old age! Off my soapbox!

On my soapbox again. We are prepairing these children for the future. Some familes just cannot afford the basic school suppplies.
I ask the local Office Depot manager about getting slightly damaged items at a discount for school. He excitly told me he was already ahead of me donated these to teachers when they came into the store.
This the Offce Depot that gets all my business.