50 THINGS YOU NEVER NEED TO BUY

#15: Classroom Supplies

Teachers give everything. Together, we can help them!

Hi there,

Welcome to the Buy Nothing Impact newsletter. In this issue, we're celebrating teachers—the dedicated educators who invest so deeply in our children that they often reach into their own pockets each year to cover classroom supplies.

Did you know?

Quietly, year after year, teachers are among the most generous people in our communities.  The National Educuation Association (NEA) estimates that teachers spend out of pocket anywhere from $500 to $900 per year on classroom supplies because 97% of school budgets don't cover actual classroom needs.

Community Giving, Classroom Impact

Teachers have discovered Buy Nothing as a resource, and communities are stepping up to help. Here's what neighbors have been sharing:

Help connect teachers with classroom supplies

One Ask can change a classroom. A neighborhood drop-off spot for school supplies can change a school.

Here's how to get one started in your neighborhood:

1. Post an Ask on Buy Nothing — let your neighbors know you're organizing a supply collection for local teachers.

2. Find a spot — a porch, a garage corner, a community center shelf. It doesn't need to be fancy.

3. Spread the word — post regularly to keep the momentum going. Back-to-school season is the best time to start, but teachers need supplies year-round.

4. Connect with teachers — reach out to a local school directly. They'll know exactly who needs what.

Teachers shouldn't have to fund their own classrooms, but they do. Buy Nothing is here to help. Open the app and search for classroom supply posts near you, or post an Ask on behalf of a teacher you know.

Community-powered

Help more good things reach classrooms

Your financial support helps fund the app and infrastructure that connect teachers with neighbors ready to give.

With gratitude,
The Buy Nothing Team