United Way Holds Drive to Support Local Teachers

RICHMOND, Va. (August 2, 2023) – United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg is collecting donations for more than three thousand teachers in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield this month.

Supplies needed for Teacher Kits include tissues, hand sanitizer, loose-leaf paper, mechanical pencils, pens, highlighters, dry-erase markers, coffee and sticky notes.

Over the past five years, youth literacy rates have been steadily dropping across the region. In 2021, the Richmond area saw that only 30% of students were reading on grade-level by third grade.  United Way understands the importance of supporting the entirety of local school systems to support the success of our students.

“When we reached out to see who would be interested in receiving a Teacher Kit, we were surprised to receive 3,623 requests,” said Tiffani Beissel, Volunteer Manager at United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “This is an excellent opportunity to support literacy by uplifting those who champion literacy every single day. We’re hoping the public can help us collect supplies and set our teachers up for a successful school year.”

A recent National Center for Education Statistics survey revealed that 94 percent of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies. On average, teachers spend $479 annually on supplies.

Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office or purchased through the nonprofit’s Amazon Wishlist.

All donations must be delivered no later than August 25.