NORTH CAROLINA, August 1 - Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the beginning of the Governor’s School Supply Drive and encouraged people to donate school supplies for public school students and teachers across the state. On average, teachers in North Carolina spend over $500 of their own money on supplies for their classrooms each year.  

“While you’re out shopping, consider buying some extra school supplies to donate,” Governor Cooper said. “Our teachers work so hard, and they shouldn’t have to dip into their pockets to cover the cost of classroom supplies that their students need.”

The Governor’s School Supply Drive will run from August 1 to August 31, 2022. As in past years, the State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) and Communities In Schools of North Carolina are partnering to collect and deliver the school supplies.

“We are happy to assist with this important effort to support North Carolina teachers and students through the collection of much-needed classroom supplies,” said Jim Hayes, SECU president and CEO. “Not only does our presence in all 100 counties makes us a natural fit to serve as donation sites, the supply drive is a great demonstration of our credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’”

“Imagine returning to school without the supplies you need to engage in learning,” said Jill Cox, President and CEO of Communities In Schools of North Carolina. “Everyone can help ensure no student faces this challenge by participating in the Governor’s school supply drive and dropping off a few items, including items our teachers need like copy paper. Together, we can ensure NC students start the school year on the right foot.” 

Requested supplies include:

• Paper – all types, including copy paper
• Pens and pencils
• Crayons and markers
• Dry erase markers
• USB flash drives
• Spiral notebooks
• Sanitizing wipes
• Tissues

Donation bins will be available in all State Employees’ Credit Union locations statewide. North Carolina residents can participate by dropping off supplies at a SECU location or by organizing a drive at their own workplace.

At the end of the drive, volunteers with Communities In Schools of North Carolina and VolunteerNC and Governor Cooper’s cabinet members will help distribute the supplies to classrooms across the state.

Governor Cooper’s School Supply Drive is offered in partnership between the North Carolina Governor’s Office, State Employees’ Credit Union, Communities In Schools of North Carolina, TeachNC, North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the North Carolina PTA and VolunteerNC (the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service).

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