Teaching Tools Serving Students

More than 95,000 (48%) students in Hillsborough County cannot afford lunch daily, much less school supplies and other tools necessary for learning.

Faced with not having the basic supplies for learning, students’ ability to succeed can be compromised. Teaching Tools mission is to ensure students and classrooms in Hillsborough County have the basic tools for learning by transferring, a no cost, our community's surplus supplies and merchandise into the hands of teachers and school children in-need.

Hillsborough County school district does a tremendous job with our students, but there is still a need for more supplies. As a conduit to fill the gap that exists between the students in need and the amount of supplies in the schools, Teaching Tools works to propel future generations of leaders for our community. As William Butler Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”

Teaching Tools currently serves 75 of the highest need Title-I schools throughout the district, which relays to more than 50,000 at-risk students receiving school supplies and other learning resources annually.

On an average shopping day, Teaching Tools will distribute $12,000-$15,000 worth of free product into the hands of teachers and students in need. The type of product distributed ranges from the basics, such as pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue and colored pencils to paper, folders, backpacks, personal care items, new and used books, incentive items and arts and crafts. Call (813) 740-7651 to learn about our Wish List!

A first grade teacher at Burney Elementary School, shared how Teaching Tools’ Crayon Masterpiece Contest helped one of her student’s outlook on education. A contest that allows students grades 1-8 to create their own rendition of a famous work of art, Dawn knew one of her hard to reach students would excel in this contest. This one particular student was talented creatively, but wasn’t given much of a chance to shine in other areas. The child often became despondent and frustrated in the classroom, but was thrilled to participate in the Crayon Masterpiece Contest. Once the child found he had won first place out of all the first grade entries, he was delighted. After excelling in the contest, the child had more confidence in other areas of his education. He ended up moving onto the second grade while also surpassing his current reading and math skill levels. The boy was still talking about the Lego’s he won weeks later. The teacher wanted to share this story to thank Teaching Tools for putting children first and helping to make a child very happy while helping to provide the confidence he needed to believe in himself.

Teaching Tools would not exist without the generosity of the Tampa Bay community. Through Teaching Tools, everyone has the opportunity to positively impact the life of a local student in need. In order for us to continue providing learning resources, we rely on the kindness of the community for both financial and in-kind support. We are proud that 90% of each dollar donated goes directly back into the program. To learn more about product or financial donations, or sponsorships please call (813) 740-7651.

For directions to Teaching Tools, please click here.
Phone: (813) 740-7651
Fax: (813) 740-7654
For a list of eligible schools, please click here.

“I would like to thank [Teaching Tools] for all the great things you have done for Kenly. Like the baskets you provided and the books. The books I enjoy the best. I would like to say thank you.”
Alex, Student at Kenly Elementary School

“Thank you for your support with school supplies. Every time I shop at the store I show my students what I have brought for them and they think Teaching Tools is the best!”
Juana Kornbluth, Teacher at Clair Mel Elementary

Students looking for volunteer opportunities must be at least 15 years old and can obtain community service hours at Teaching Tools. If interested, please call (813) 740-7651.

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