Organization Helps Teachers Stock Up On Much-Needed School Supplies
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — An organization is helping teachers stock up on supplies they typically have to pay out of their own pockets.
On average, teachers spend between $400 and $1,000 on school supplies for their classrooms.
"We spend easily hundreds throughout the year, and over the last few years as the budget got worse, we stopped getting any supplies whatsoever," said Grant High School English teacher Diane Roberts.
At Resource Area For Teaching, teachers can get more bang for their buck by offering supplies for less than half the price they would pay in stores.
The group tries to underwrite 60 percent of what teachers would normally spend, allowing teachers like Roberts to fill her cart with supplies, but only spend around $60.
"I come in and get binders and basic supplies because many of my kids can't afford it," she said.
Many of her students come to class unprepared, because their parents can't get them what they need. But with prices so low at RAFT, she doesn't mind helping out.
"At two for a buck, I can do that," she said. "If I have to pay $4 or $5 retail, can't really do that. so it gives me the opportunity to provide for them."
The group is holding a back-to-school event this weekend at its McClellan location at 3136 Howard St., open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
