The Salvation Army & Red Cross are great organizations.

I have several friends who are elementary school teachers. Each of them will fork out several hundred dollars from their own pockets each year for supplies for their classrooms. Add that to the fact that they get paid squat, and it becomes a real hardship for them.

I cannot figure out why teachers keep doing this-if the school system has a curriculum it seems incumbent upon the school system to provide the things that are needed.  I loathe unions but in many States there are teachers unions.  In my view the union-where applicable-should take this up-teachers should simply not pay out of their pocket for anything.  I have no sympathy therefore when a teacher makes a decision to expend money for items they think the kids need.  I pay a bunch of money in school tax and in my view the teachers open themselves up to this-once they start-it will not stop-so quit doing it and figure out how to do it with what is provided or quit teaching.....Have a nice day!

but I would to emphasize, being one child of 5 children raised by a single parent (mother) that work and put us through school, (we all graduated with honors). When hard times would hit, she would often reach out to the local churchs for help.
So, I would suggest contacting a local church org. and ask them how you can help.
Teacher fire fighters and Police officers are the few that are underpaid fortheir work. But teachers I think are the worst under paid and I dont mind paying my tax dollars to the school system either.

I don't mean to take issue with ATLDAWG, but I think this person fails to understand the teaching profession.  To most (not all, but most) teaching is a love and a profession, not just a job.  Teachers want to get the job done as best they can, and if they feel so moved to dig into their own pockets for supplies and items which, I will agree with you, should be provided by the school system, they will gladly do so.  I know many teachers and have a few in my family, and they love what they do.  I agree with you that the school system and unions should do more, but it is very wrong to take a subtle swipe at the teachers for doing what they want to do.  Most teachers are not going to quit teaching over a few self-purchased school supplies, and those that would probably shouldn't be in this profession anyway.  You have a few good points but I think you are missing the bigger picture.

I wouldnt mind helping out the single parents as I have been in the same situation before becoming a provider. I remember so well and the united way used to help us. Maybe a call to them would point in the right direction to help find those parents in need?
Great post Catlin
Hugs and kisses
TL

I can understand your point, with taxes and such, but the fact remains that teachers do put out of their own pocket because the school system simply won't. Many school systems now rely soley on kids doing fundraisers for everything from athletic gear to school trips, where as most of us, when we were school age these were included. Now nothing is and they are cutting back or eliminating most of the programs and even school playgrounds due to the expenses of insurance. Its insane.

But why should the kids suffer? Many parents are having a hard time even keeping roofs over their childrens heads, much less being able to come up with these huge list of school supplies that include everything from paper towels, to wet wipes, and cleaning supplies.

I think its a great idea and I am all for it.

BTW AtlDawg, Teachers get to write off on their taxes what they buy for the school supplies, but only to a certain point, and they still are out of pocket with the expenses for the year until they are somewhat reimbursed for it.

Glad to see that you all agree and get the bigger picture.............Have a nice day!!!  Woo-Hoo !

I always want to be there for others & donating school supplies are a Great thing to do..I know there are a few I have dealt:
Red cross
Ronald McDonald's House
Their is one for School supplies at Dollar Tree for Families in the Army..
Different Grocery  stores do food & supplies
XOXOXO

I do charity work for people in LA. If there was some fund set up to where they could mail a money order that would be good.  I praise you for the effort. When I wrestled I was in towns where I would see single moms with their boy at the matches. One woman I saw all the time, so I arranged for the promoter to give her passes for the matches. I knew her situation. I was able to see the other side of the picture with poor people. I never forgot my good fortune and realized this back then. Even today I still in some way help others