Tools for Schools serves students and teachers in Alachua County by providing a free store for classroom supplies and creative learning materials.
Finding a common bond between children, teachers, businesses and citizens is challenging. Tools for Schools assists the community by providing students and teachers with the supplies needed for success. We help the environment by avoiding disposal of reusable items and conserving resources. Each year, in Alachua County, we throw away more than 160,000 tons of garbage. Sixty-five percent of this refuse comes from the commercial sector of our community and many of these items can, and should, be reused.
Tools for Schools aims to educate the community in recognizing the value of these materials and getting them into Alachua County classrooms.Our staff can help businesses and individuals recognize the beneficial portion of the waste stream. Please contact us and for guidelines and advice on how you can help.
Tools for Schools is part of a national network of reusable resource centers. As a member of the Reusable Resources Association, Inc., our staff has received training to establish and maintain our center. We offer workshops for teachers on how to use the materials for educational purposes. Teachers work with items from Tools for Schools to invoke productive learning experiences including hand-eye coordination, math applications, problem solving, as well as creative expression.
Tools for Schools is an excellent resource for our teachers that allows them to enhance their classrooms with needed supplies. – Dr. Beth LeClear, Principal, M.K. Rawlings Elementary