Tools 4 Teaching exists for one reason – to help teachers in our local classrooms.
Created in early 2009, Tools 4 Teaching provides “Free” school supplies to teachers and students in our local classrooms. Tools 4 Teaching, located inside the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, is open to all full-time teachers working for Marion County Public Schools. Teachers can shop once a month for needed classroom supplies – everything from pencils, paper, art supplies and much more. With the help of many volunteers, the T4T store has given out more than $5,000,000 in school supplies! Watch a 30 second preview of the Tools 4 Teaching Store! For volunteer or donation information please contact the Foundation directly at (352) 671-4167.
MCPS Classroom teachers – If you would like to shop in-person at the Tools 4 Teaching store, please read the information below regarding scheduling your appointment online.
- The Store will be open on the following dates October 5th, October 6th, October 12th, October 13th, October 19th, October 20th, October 26th , October 27th, November 2nd, November 3rd, (closed November 9th and November 10th due to storm), November 16th, November 17th, Closed for the week of Thanksgiving, November 30th, December 1st, December 7th and December 8th from 3:30pm-5:15pm (More dates and times will be added after December)
- Teachers must pre-register for their in-person shopping date and time online at https://teachersfreestore.com/marion/ttlogin.aspx
- You may only register to shop once per month
- The store will host up to 100 teachers during each of the shopping dates
- Shopping times and appointments will be open to book the appointments on a month to month schedule
- If something happens and you need to reschedule an appointment, just log in and reschedule for an available time so your spot can open for another teacher
- All supplies are FREE thanks to the generosity of our donors, and product availability may change month to month
- Bring your own shopping bag and identification badge
- No children will be allowed in the building at this time
- Remember, all items are FREE and are intended to be used in your classroom or provided to a student in need
- During certain shopping dates and times, community partners may help provide additional items for teachers
- The store is located inside the Public Education Foundation office at 1239 NW 4th Street, Ocala FL 34475
- Teachers can download an information packet here: T4T Teacher Information
Are you interested in donating school supplies to the Tools 4 Teaching Store?
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE GLADLY WELCOMED AND ACCEPTED
School Supplies • Backpacks • Composition books • Flash drives • Loose leaf paper • Pocket folders • Calculators • Crayons • Highlighters • Markers • Protractors • #2 Pencils • Divider tabs• 3-hole punches• Pens • Rulers • Colored pencils • Dry erase markers • Index cards • Pencil cases • Scissors • Compasses • Erasers • Journals • Pencil sharpeners • Spiral notebooks
Arts & Crafts • Clay • Felt squares • Glue sticks • Paint brushes • Chalk • Construction paper • Foam • Oil pastels • Poster boards • Tissue paper • Drawing pencils • Glue bottles • Paint • Scrapbook paper • Watercolors
Teaching Tools & Incentives • Binder and paper clips • Copy paper • File folders • Promotional products • Tape and tape dispensers • Binders • Desk organizers
Accessories • Headphones • Staplers and staples • Tote bags • Bulletin boards • Ear buds – new • Sticky notes • Stickers • Toys and games (educational only)
Hygiene Items & Cleaning Supplies • Body wash • Deodorant • Hand sanitizer • Soap • Tissues • Cleaning wipe • Shampoo and conditioner • Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Unfortunately, We Do Not Accept The Following:
• Empty paper towel/toilet paper rolls • Industrial cleaning chemicals • Religious items • Tube TV screens or monitors• Used ink cartridges or outdated electronic devices
• File cabinets/Office furniture • Razors and razor blades • Rubber cement • Used carpet samples or squares • Used stuffed animals or clothing
Interested in hosting a drive or have additional questions? Contact us today!
Thank you to our Tools 4 Teaching Supporters
