After a lengthy summer break, the first week of school can be an exciting time filled with possibility. It can also be challenging as school communities work to bounce back into rigorous routines and juggle students’ needs, especially if resources are scarce. To make things easier, TFA St. Louis recently partnered with Maritz, a reputable sales and marketing firm in the region, to launch a Back To School Supply Drive. 

The initiative’s outcome was fruitful, involving three schools that received a variety of school supplies to support local teachers and encourage the love of learning for students. TFA St. Louis staff picked up donated items, like notebooks, papers,  pencils, markers, crayon boxes, book bags, and other school essentials , and delivered them to Hickey Elementary School (St. Louis Public Schools), Momentum Academy - Tower Grove South, and Vashon High School (St. Louis Public Schools). Staff members and educators welcomed the gifts with smiles and gratitude. 

"The beginning of the year is a time filled with excitement about school and learning for many of our students,” said Dr. Michael Baird (STL, ‘12), principal at Hickey Elementary School. “The supplies that Teach For America St. Louis and Maritz donated means that all of our teachers and kids have the resources they need to excel in the classroom. We’re glad to have such amazing community partners in our corner.”

The school drive aims to engage and re-energize many of TFA St. Louis’ alumni educators and school leaders who remain committed to serving students and their families, particularly during one of the most vulnerable times for the region. Vashon’s request for personal care products, in addition to general school supplies, came in the aftermath of flash floods that devastated parts of the St. Louis metropolitan area during the summer. The donations ensure that students, teachers, and support staff have access to basic necessities during their time at school. 

“We’re so grateful for Teach For America St. Louis’s partnership with Maritz to donate school supplies and personal care items to our school,” said Brenda Smith (STL ‘07). “Maritz’s wealth of support will be a tremendous help to the students and families who were recently affected by the recent floods.” 

In total, Maritz raised nearly $3,000 in donations for the supply drive and collected over 1,000 items to support Teach for America St. Louis’ efforts to help local educators and their communities. The organization’s continued commitment to educational equity remains impactful, especially for the region’s underrepresented populations.