"My students and I took a few minutes to reflect today on the blessings we have received from the donations of school supplies.  Many of the families of my students cannot afford all the things their child/children need to start the school year.  Because of your donations I was able to provide some of those things.  Every day in the classroom we share and use something (usually many things) that was donated.  Without those donations I'm not sure how I could have a successful classroom!" ~ Ms. H, 6^th grade teacher 

Imagine learning how to write without a pencil or read without a book. The mission of Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools is to ensure that children in Hillsborough County have the basic tools for learning by bringing the community's surplus supplies and merchandise into the hands of teachers and school children, at no cost to them. 

Did you know? 

• Over half of the more than 190,000 students in Hillsborough County live at or below the poverty line, qualifying them for the free or reduced-cost lunch program, and cannot afford supplies for school.


• Teachers spend an average of $1,000 a year out-of-pocket to buy supplies for their students and classroom.


• $100 can ensure 2100 students in 70 classrooms have enough pencils for a whole month!

Teachers face the challenge of not having all the tools necessary in the classroom.  Teaching Tools currently serves 87 Title-I schools and educational sites throughout the district, reaching more than 1,800 teachers and 50,000 at-risk students every year.

"Sharing our supplies with Teaching Tools is an easy, hands on way to give back to the community. Our Rotary Club has conducted collection drives among our members, local businesses and even store sales. Knowing that we are helping children learn and giving them something they can call their own is very rewarding. The thank you notes and drawings are wonderful."  ~ Steven Brown, Rotary Club of Brandon South

Thank you to all Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools donors. 
(2009-2010)