The average teacher spends $800 out-of-pocket every year for classroom supplies, according to the national Kids in Need Foundation. This nonprofit operates 39 resource centers across the country where teachers can shop for free art and school supplies, including Treasures4Teachers in Tempe.
Treasures4Teachers welcomes donations — from traditional school supplies (notebook paper, pencils and crayons) to such nontraditional items as carpet squares, wallpaper and fabric samples, ice-cream containers — even jigsaw puzzles with missing pieces, tennis-ball containers and empty tissue boxes. Find a full list of suggested items on the website.
Drop off donations at 3025 S. 48th St., No. 101, Tempe, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Shopping hours for teachers are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; kids younger than 15 must have a parent with them. 480-751-1122 or treasures4teachers.org.
