The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI) is proud to kick off the month-long TOI School Supplies Drive, an initiative benefiting the school districts of Alachua, Marion and Columbia Counties. New and gently used items will be accepted June 25th through July 23rd , 2010.  All items collected will be distributed to public school teachers in an effort to alleviate the financial strain educators face when preparing for the new school year.

A recent study reported that teachers spend an average of $623 of their own money on supplies for their students each year. Kelly Brill, Assistant Principle at Fort Clarke Middle School understands the challenges faced by area educators. Brill states, “Unfortunately there are many families that are on free or reduced lunch and are unable to purchase the necessary school supplies for their children. Without hesitation teachers, guidance counselors, administrators and school staff purchase materials so no student will go without.”

Donations will be accepted through July 23rd in The Orthopaedic Institute’s 4 North Florida locations: Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, and Alachua. All supplies collected in Gainesville and Alachua will be donated to Tools for Schools, Alachua County’s reusable resource center where public school teachers can shop for learning materials at no cost. Contributions in Ocala will be directed to Tools 4 Teaching and materials collected in Lake City will benefit the Columbia County School District. Traditional supplies are welcome, like paper, crayons and pencils, but gently used business or household items can also make wonderful educational tools.

“The TOI School Supplies Drive is a wonderful initiative that will provide school supplies to all students in need in Gainesville and the surrounding communities. The additional support is greatly appreciated,” adds Brill.

Below is a list of supplies often requested by teachers. Although all new or gently used educational supplies are welcome, donations of these items are always appreciated.

PENS & PENCILS

MARKERS

LINED NOTEBOOK PAPER

BACKPACKS

CONSTRUCTION PAPER

SCISSORS

DRY ERASE MARKERS

COLORED PENCILS

GLUE

TISSUES

INDEX CARDS

COMPUTER PAPER

ERASERS

CREATIVE/ART SUPPLIES

EDUCATIONAL GAMES

STAPLERS

GRAPH PAPER

NOTEBOOKS

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

non-traditional learning tools

production overruns

interestingly shaped trims

obsolete inventory/logo items

factory seconds or rejects

clean, colorful punch outs

packing products