Where teachers SHOP FOR FREE

Nonprofit Companies to Classrooms provides needed supplies for schools

BY ALISON STUCKE

Whether it’s preschool, high school or somewhere in between, teachers can spend a good deal of their own money to keep their classrooms stocked with supplies. Because of budget cutbacks, most teachers find it necessary to buy basic supplies such as crayons, pencils, markers, notebooks, art materials — even printer paper and ink.

So it’s good to know there’s a place in Duluth where local teachers can “shop” for supplies and get them at no cost. Companies to Classrooms, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization at 2307 W. Superior St. in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, accepts donations of just about anything that can be used in a classroom. All donations are tax-deductible. The nonprofit invites teachers to stop in once a month, grab a shopping cart and select up to 15 items for their classroom (“one” item could be 200 pieces of large paper or 12 pencils).

“It’s a simple concept with profound results,” said Mary Streufert, chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Companies to Classrooms. “We are taking goods that aren’t needed and recycling them to teachers and classrooms. Let’s say a business is downsizing or making changes, and they have supplies they no longer need, like three-ring binders, paper clips, or pens. Instead of putting those items in landfills, they can bring them here. Teachers, who have a miniscule budget, then have access to materials they can use.”

Streufert has served on the board of Companies to Classrooms for the past four years. She has worked at the store for the past year, and heads up fundraising and grant writing. She sees the gratitude of teachers as they get the products they need for students.

“One teacher told me that she had absolutely nothing for her classroom,” Streufert said. “She went to shop, and she came back saying, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ She was all choked up.”

The warehouse-like building is full of shelves holding a wide variety of goods, including papers, staples and paper clips, bulletin board supplies, writing tools, even tables and chairs.

“We’re panhandlers for teachers who have almost no supplies,” says Carolyn Schroeder, a retired kindergarten teacher who now serves as store manager. “We serve 16 school districts, including Alborn, Barnum, Carlton, Cloquet, Duluth, Esko, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Hermantown, Maple, Northwestern Wisconsin, Proctor, Solon Springs, Superior, Two Harbors and Wrenshall.” continued on page 14 continued from page 13

Companies to Classrooms serves public, private, parochial and charter schools, as well as preschools and home schools. The need is great to keep schools well-stocked and students engaged.

“One teacher told us she had $100 to buy supplies for her classroom for the whole year,” Schroeder said. “I feel especially sorry for young teachers starting out. A wooden puzzle costing $20 would take a fifth of her budget.”

Donations of all types have come from a variety of sources. People whose kids had grown up and moved out donated a painted bookshelf and a beanbag chair. A Canal Park hotel gave 12 high-top square tables. A local restaurant donated tables and wooden chairs. All of these items were picked up by thankful teachers.

“The day an amplifier came in, a music teacher of electric guitar players came in, asking for one,” Streufert said. “Teachers are so thankful when they find what they need here.”

Schroeder even visits the WLSSD Recovery Center to scout for usable items, like the plastic sandbox and metal file cabinet she found there.

“We’re very thankful if donors can bring their items here to us,” Schroeder said. “We operate on a shoestring budget, so every little bit helps.”

Operational funding comes from private financial donations, business sponsorships and foundation grants. Donations of money are used to keep the store running.

Companies to Classrooms was opened in Duluth in September 2012 by Mary Beth Kjolhaug after she retired from her work at Explorations toy store, then located in downtown Duluth. Explorations specialized in educational toys and teacher resources, and Kjolhaug wanted to do something positive with some of the stock. She and Mary Jo Jauert created an organization similar to the original Companies to Classrooms, Inc., in Bloomington, Minn., and it’s been going strong ever since. Schroeder said she is especially thankful to Kjolhaug and her husband, Jeff. “Mary Jo worked tirelessly for 5-plus years as executive director. The store is a great success thanks to their energy, perseverance and commitment.”

“We figure last year we had over 800 shopping trips,” Streufert said. “Some shoppers come every month. Some come once or twice a year. We reach quite a few students and many educational programs.”

Items that are especially needed currently at the store include Scotch tape dispensers, binder clips, early childhood toys, staplers, staples, white boards and rubber bands. — MDT

For more information on Companies to Classrooms, visit their website at companiestoclassroomsduluth.org or the store’s Facebook page.

Donate Now!

There are a few high-demand items that are rarely donated such as washable markers, crayons, colored pencils, binder clips, filler paper, rubber bands and spiral notebooks. The generosity of supporters helps keep these items in stock. If you have surplus items in your home (new or gently used), please consider a donation to Companies to Classrooms, Duluth.

Supplies Needed

Companies to Classrooms, Duluth accepts a variety of supplies in new or gently-used condition. Examples include: art and craft supplies; binders and binder clips; chairs; children’s books; colored pencils; markers; paper; pencils; small tables; staplers; tagboard; tape and dispensers; and WhiteOut.

If you have an item that’s not listed but think it might be acceptable, call (971)258-4304 or send an email if you have questions. The mission is to reuse, repurpose, recycle.

Donation Schedule

Supplies can always be dropped off during store hours. Outside those hours, please call or send an email.

Location

2307 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55806

(971)258-4304 c2cduluth@gmail.com

Hours 2:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Closings and holidays follow the Duluth Public School yearly calendar