It Takes a Village to Purchase School Supplies

The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Back to School Supplies Drive, which will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 20. This year’s goal is to raise $75,000 to purchase educational supplies such as STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, classroom furniture, plus more for teachers and students in the Santa Barbara area. So far, each year’s drive has surpassed its goal, with the 2023 drive bringing in more than $76,000 for kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers in Santa Barbara-area schools. The Teacher’s Fund is “optimistic that this year our wonderful community will once again step up and help us reach our fundraising goal,” says Brianna Johnson, a realtor for Village Properties and supplies drive committee co-chair.

Renee Grubb, the owner of Village Properties, created the fund in 2002, and since then has donated more than $2.1 million to schools in the Santa Barbara area. As schools have faced increasing budget constraints over the years, the Teacher’s Fund allows teachers to request much-needed classroom supplies for the upcoming school years. “I think the Teacher’s Fund is a fantastic nonprofit, because 100% of all donations that are received go directly to our local teachers to purchase items for their classrooms that they would normally have to purchase themselves,” says Teacher’s Fund board member Leanne Wood.

To donate to the Teacher’s Fund, please visit www.tfsuppliesdrive.com between now and Sept. 20. Donors can direct contributions to specific items requested by teachers or submit general donations. Alternatively, individuals and organizations can sponsor the supplies drive, with sponsorship levels starting at $250, which includes social-media mentions, entries for the chance to win prizes, and other recognitions.

For more information or to donate directly to the Teacher’s Fund, visit teachersfund.org.