Adopt a teacher: You can buy supplies for their classrooms

Being a teacher often means a lot of self-sacrifice. Many work on lesson plans and preparation after hours, or even open their own wallets to pay for supplies, but one group is offering them a lifeline.

Teachers and students in Charlotte County head back to class Tuesday, and teachers are getting some supplies they need without breaking the bank.

Philip Eyrich, band director at Lemon Bay High School, hit the ground running in his classroom this week.

“It’s just been a lot of preparation, making sure that everything is ready to go.”

He and his colleagues are anxious to meet their students.

“We care about the kids. And, at the end of the day, you really have to make the experience the best they can be for them.”

That usually means buying supplies beyond what the school provides. The U.S. Department of Education found teachers spend an average of $479 out of their own pockets each year.

“I’ve heard of them giving notebooks and pens and paper, endless supplies to kids that forget their stuff,” said parent Elana Lamparello.

She knows supplies are expensive, which is why created a Facebook group that lets Charlotte County teachers share a list of what they need and get help from the community.

“It makes them, you know, feel appreciated and loved. And we all need that,” Lamparello said.

Every pencil, crayon, and notebook helps.

“If a kid’s gonna feel welcome and safe in your classroom, then you have to achieve that goal by whatever means possible,” Eyrich said.

Everyone’s first lesson of the school year? Anything is possible with help from the community.

If you’d like to help Charlotte County teachers, here’s a link to the Facebook group.