Nonprofit providing school supplies to Forsyth County teachers

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The new school year is only weeks away and one organization is making sure educators have the supplies kids need.

Coronavirus has made it tough for some parents and educators to afford school supplies.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen spoke with a nonprofit organization that is helping stockpile much needed back to school materials.

Denise Carleton, Executive Director for the Teacher Reuse Exchange in Forsyth County, launched the program to help those in need.

“It’s very important at this time, because so many families are going to be impacted and our teachers take care of the kids, too,” Carleton said.

The best part of the program is all the supplies are free.

The 1,100-square-foot office space is filled with classroom supplies for local teacher to pick up at no charge.

School counselor Tara Stiffler is thankful for the program.

"I feel bad when kids come in and see all the other kids getting out their new supplies with their new backpack and they don't have it," Stiffler said.  "Teachers spend so much of their own money buying things for kids.  This is going to be a great help."

The Teacher Reuse Exchange doesn’t only supply crayons and games for the youngest scholars but also supplies for high school students too.

“Whether it’s an AP book or a class set of supplies, there’s always shortages running rampant for high school,” high school senior Margot Murphy said.

More than 200 teachers have already signed up to shop.

Carleton said they will keep supplies in stock this year, next year and for as long as they can.            

Cox Media Group