Northland church hosts supply give away for teachers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While kids are gearing up for school, teachers are too.

Hope Church in the Northland is hosting its annual teachers supply give away. It’s free for all educators.

It provides everything from pencils and pens, to classroom decorations and more.

A lot of teachers have to buy school supplies out of their own pocket, and it’s events like this that really help them get ready for the school year.

“We easily spend at least $200 for most teachers on school supplies, posters, whatever you see. If we relied on just what the district provides, you would see blank walls,” said John Barr, a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher.

It’s Christmas in July for teachers from across the Kansas City metro.

“For students, you want them to be able to experience and enjoy learning, and whenever you got to share and if you don’t have it, be go without, it’s kind of hard to teach,” said Henry Keys, an eight grade math teacher.

“There’s only so much that the schools can do for you and there’s so much that you can do for yourself. So for somebody to step in and bridge that gap, huge,” said Spanish teacher Natalie Keys.

The teachers supply give away at Hope Church provides what teachers need.

“The teachers still need so much more than what we’re doing and with school funding, it’s difficult, said Shannon Horn, who is on the pastoral team at Hope Church.

Horn spent a lot of time working in schools with children. She saw how much teachers put into their work.

“You’re going to put all that and spend your own personal money,” Horn said. “I got to be able to do something to help. There’s other people who want to help. Let’s get them all together and let’s make a difference.”

And they are. Thousands of teachers show up each year to collect new and used supplies that will help them in the school year.

“Oh, my gosh. It like, takes a weight off of us as educators because there are things that we don’t have to worry about,” Natalie Keys said.

Not only is it a financial help, but teachers said it makes them feel supported and appreciated.

“It just helps, you know, unless you know that there are people out there that care about education,” Henry Keys said.

“And any events like this are awesome for teachers and again, just helps us feel supported to start off our year and gets off to a good start,” Barr said.

If you’re an educator and need help getting ready for the school year, there’s still time slots available for Thursday .

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