Sounding the alarm for needed teacher supplies

Anyone with teachers as family members, friends or neighbors knows they are always reaching into their own pockets for money for supplies.
Sometimes that money is for instructional supplies for lab activities or for their own needs. Often, however, it is for supplies for students who may not be able to afford the very basics they need for successful learning.
For 10 years, Roane County has been trying to help teachers meet these needs through the Teachers Supply Closet, which accepts donations of goods and money and then brings teachers in to distribute them on one day in one place.
This year, however, the shortages in donations are critical.
Allen Lutz at The Roane Alliance, who is helping with the Teachers Supply Closet, is sounding the alarm.
With a day to go, supplies are down to a less than a third of what is needed — with distribution set for next week.
What is needed? Pens, pencils, crayons, markers, tape, facial tissue, hand soap/sanitizer, tennis balls, file folders, glue (bottles  and  sticks), notebooks, notebook paper, construction paper, copy paper, rubber bands, rulers, erasers, scissors, staplers and staples and more.
These items can be dropped off by Thursday, Sept. 20, at:
• Chamber of Commerce, 1209 N. Kentucky St., Kingston, 376-5572.
• Roane County United Way, 2735 Roane State Hwy., Harriman, 882-7711.
• Tennessee Technology Center at Harriman, 1745 Harriman Hwy., Harriman ,882-6703.
• Roane State Community College, 276 Patton Lane, 882-4582.
Checks may be written to the “Roane County Chamber of Commerce” or the “Roane County United Way”; write “Teachers’ Supply Closet” in the memo line.
They also welcome excess office supplies and equipment that may be useful in the classroom.
Show your appreciation for good teachers by  helping out with supplies or money.
These dedicated public servants need all the help we can give them.