State Employees’ Credit Union is supporting the 2024 Governor’s School Supply Drive to help teachers and students get the items they need for the upcoming school year. 

In its sixth year to provide collection sites for the event, SECU is accepting donations at its statewide network of 275 branches now through August 9.

Governor Roy Cooper Monday announced the beginning of the drive and encouraged people across the state to donate school supplies in support of public schools, students and teachers. North Carolina teachers spend on average, up to $750 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies each year.

“It’s unfortunate that teachers still have to dip into their own pockets to buy some of the school supplies for their classrooms and this is a way all of us can help,” said Cooper. “Donating school supplies is a way to support the learning environment while giving our teachers the respect they deserve.”

In addition to SECU, Communities in Schools of North Carolina are partnering with the state to collect and deliver the school supplies to classrooms. 

The North Carolina Parent Teacher Association, the Boys and Girls Club of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools are also partnering to help deliver supplies to classrooms this year. 

This is Cooper’s eighth school supply drive, after conducting one each year of his term to support public school teachers.

“Our branch presence in all 100 counties makes this initiative a natural fit for the credit union, and we are so pleased to continue our support for North Carolina educators and students by serving as statewide collection sites for this campaign,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “We welcome everyone to stop by any of our branches to drop off their donated school supply items.”

Jill Cox, president and CEO for Communities In Schools of North Carolina, said, “Data shows that teachers spend on average $500-700 on school supplies each year to help their students succeed.” 

Cox said, “Communities In Schools affiliates across North Carolina know all too well how having the right tools to start the school year strong allows students to show up and engage in the classroom and with their peers without unnecessary barriers to success. 

“CIS is thrilled to continue to support the Governor’s School Supply Drive because by working together, we can remove more barriers to student success before students even enter the classroom this year.”

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