Q: What is one way a church can serve you or your classroom?

A: "It is helpful in my classroom when [churches] donate fabrics for students to use, or help [students] who don't have the means to purchase the supplies they need." -Mandi White, Cypress Creek High, Fashion and Interior Design Instructor

It's amazing how the fabric boxes in our closets can be a huge blessing in a local school. In fact, much of what lies in our closets can turn out to be priceless commodities to teachers. The massive budget cuts from a few years ago still have schools reeling in many ways, and sometimes there is little to no extra money after textbooks and school-wide supplies have been purchased. An excellent way to serve your local school can be found in your very own home in your closets, garage, and attic.  

For many, the summer months offer a little more time to get caught up on that spring cleaning. Or maybe there are teenagers at home who need a hobby? As you purge your closets, look for items that might bless teachers and students. Below are some ideas of things schools would love to have:

• Sporting equipment. PE classes and athletic programs can always use more basketballs, volleyballs, etc.

   

• Fabric. In addition to fashion classes, teachers can use extra fabric to decorate bulletin boards, and for class projects and school plays.

   

• Furniture/Rugs. Comfy couches and chairs can make any classroom feel like home, and rugs are almost required for little ones' classrooms.

   

• Lamps. Fluorescent lights can be harsh on students' eyes (teachers too!).

   

• Christmas lights. Not all schools allow these, but most schools can use them for holiday decorations.

   

• Clothing/Costumes/Jewelry. When winter rolls around, schools like to have jackets and coats on hand for the less fortunate. Another use for clothing can be found in drama departments. Costumes are sacred and often very expensive. Theater teachers love to see someone with a bag of clothing.

   

• Toys. Small toys like Happy Meal toys can be used for prizes, and many Kindergarten/Pre-K classrooms are constantly in need of new toys to replace broken ones.

   

• Books. If your child is a voracious reader, consider donating already-read books to the school's library or your child's homeroom teacher.

• Any school supplies. Even broken crayons still color! Teachers weep every time they see a partially used spiral in a trash can.

• Blankets/Nap mats

• Craft supplies

• Computer equipment

• Musical instruments/Sheet music

As you clean out your closets, garage, and attic, save yourself multiple trips to the recycling bin and drop off your hidden treasures at a local school. 

More tips by Samantha here:

Offer manpower.

Moving or setting up a classroom sounds easy, but pulling staples out of walls for hours can be brutal. Ask your local school's building secretary if you can help teachers move or set up. If this isn't an option for you, that's ok! You can also serve in this area by donating boxes or decorations! 

Resource an extracurricular program.

Coaches and advisors are planning for the next school year by taking inventory of equipment. Each year, equipment is lost, stolen, or broken, and there's not a dime to replace it. Contact a local school coach or advisor - you could be the miracle they've been praying for.

Support teacher projects.

Contact your local school to see what projects teachers are working on for summer school or for the fall. Then get a group together to help prepare materials, host a supply drive, organize a volunteer day to help with classroom preparations or facility renovations, or sponsor teachers for training or workshops.