9 SCHOOL TOOLS SUPPLY DRIVE
9 SCHOOL TOOLS SUPPLY DRIVE
The Carolina’s Largest School Supply Drive & Virtual Fundraiser!
Supply Drive Coordinator Resources
Welcome to the School Tools Resources hub! We understand the importance of equipping our participants with the tools and resources you need to make your contributions as impactful as possible. Click below to find everything you need for a successful and smooth supply drive!
Work smarter, not harder!
We’ve created everything you need to promote your School Tools supply drive, including customizable email templates, social media captions, images, and copy to help you launch and run a successful campaign.
Pro Tips!
- Both ways to give— If you’re running both a traditional and an online drive, include your drop-off location and donation page link so supporters can choose the option that works best for them.
- Employer matching— Remind participants giving online to check the box to double their impact.
- Seasonal deals— Back-to-school sales will make dollars go further, and are a great way to remind people of your supply drive – share deals when you find them.
One week before and on day one of your drive
Make sure everyone knows you are running a school supply drive for Classroom Central, why it matters, and how to participate. A strong launch creates early momentum that carries through the whole campaign.
Email – Announce Your Supply Drive one week before your launch date
Subject line options:
- We’re doing something good this summer — here’s how to join us
- 1 in 2 local kids start school without supplies. We’re changing that.
- [Company] is hosting a school supply drive — save the date
Hi [team/name],
Did you know that 54% of children in our community live below the poverty line and can’t afford basic school supplies? This means that 1 in 2 local students start school without the essentials they need to feel included and succeed in the classroom. That’s more than 130,000 local children who can’t afford pencils, notebooks, or crayons.
This summer, [Company/Organization] is partnering with Classroom Central to change that. We’re hosting a School Tools supply drive from [start date] to [end date], with a goal of collecting [goal] supplies for local students and teachers.
Here’s how you can help:
- Drop off supplies at [location] — the most needed items are pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, glue sticks, and pocket folders
- Give online at [link] — supporters can shop directly or make a financial donation. Every $1 donated becomes $9 worth of supplies.
- Check if [Company] matches donations — if we have a gift matching program, your contribution goes twice as far. Look for the “This donation can be matched” option when giving online.
Back-to-school sales are happening right now, making this the best time of year to stock up. We’ll share the best deals as they come.
Stay tuned for more details next week on how you can help. In the meantime, learn more about Classroom Central on their website or follow them on social media for the latest updates. Stay tuned!
[Your name]
Email – Partner and Vendor Version email to announce supply drive to external partners, suppliers, or neighboring businesses
Subject line options:
- Partnering with us this summer to support local students?
- A simple way to make a real difference this back-to-school season
Hi [name],
At [Company], we’re committed to supporting the communities we work in. This summer, we’re hosting a School Tools supply drive in partnership with Classroom Central — the Carolinas’ largest school supply drive — with a goal of collecting [goal] supplies for 130,000+ local students in need.
We’d love for [Partner Company] to join us. There are two easy ways to get involved:
- Physical donations: Drop off school supplies at [location] between [dates]. The most needed items are pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, glue sticks, and pocket folders.
- Give online: Shop or donate financially at [link]. Classroom Central turns every $1 into $9 worth of supplies for students in need.
If your organization has a gift matching program, this is a great opportunity to double your impact.
We’d be grateful for your support — and so would the students who receive these supplies on the first day of school.
[Your name and contact details]
Email – Launch Day (Send on the first day of your supply drive)
Subject line options:
- Our school supply drive is live — here’s how to donate today
- It starts today. Here’s what we need from you.
- [Goal] supplies. [X] weeks. Let’s do this.
Hi [team/name],
Today is the day — our School Tools supply drive is officially live!
Our goal is to collect [goal] school supply items by [end date]. Here’s how to participate:
- Drop off in person: Bring supplies to [location]. The barrel will be there through [end date]. Not sure what to buy? Pick up any of the Top 9 most-needed items: pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, glue sticks, and pocket folders.
- Give online: Shop or donate at [link]. It takes less than 5 minutes! Thanks to their partnerships, Classroom Central, every $1 donated turns into $9 worth of supplies.
- Double your donation: If [Company] matches charitable gifts, make sure to check the “This donation can be matched” box when giving online and DOUBLE your impact.
We’re tracking our progress in real time — check back for updates as we go.
“Classroom Central has been an incredible blessing for both me and my students. Thanks to their support, I got all the supplies my students needed — pencils, notebook paper, even backpacks. Now they don’t have to feel anxious coming to school.” — Mr. Clark, Iredell-Statesville Schools
[Your name] Current total: [X] of [goal] — [X]% of the way there
Social Media — Launch
- Caption A (traditional supply drive): Our [Company] school supply drive for @ClassroomCentral starts TODAY. Drop off pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, glue sticks, highlighters, dry erase markers, filler paper, or pocket folders at [location] through [end date]. 1 in 2 local kids arrive at school without these basics. Let’s change that. #SchoolTools #PencilsIntoPossibilities #ClassroomCentral
- Caption B (online focus): You can help a local student get ready for school in under 5 minutes. Shop our @ClassroomCentral school supply drive at [link] — every $1 becomes $9 worth of supplies. Drive closes [end date]. #SchoolTools #PencilsIntoPossibilities
- Caption C (both): Our drive is live — two ways to give, zero excuses. Drop supplies at [location] or give online at [link]. Back-to-school sales are on right now, so your dollar goes further than ever. #SchoolTools @ClassroomCentral #ClassroomCentral
Regular, varied communications keep people engaged. Rotate between the options below — you don’t need all of them, but aim for at least one email and two to three social posts per week.
Email — Mid- Supply Drive Reminder with Educator Story
Subject line options:
- [X] supplies collected — here’s the teacher behind the number
- Week [X] of our drive: a message from a local classroom
- We’re [X]% there — here’s why the rest matters
Hi [team/name],
We’re [X] weeks into our school supply drive and we’ve collected [current total] of our [goal] goal — that’s [X]% of the way there. Here’s what those supplies mean to a local teacher:
“There is a saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ — but I will go further and say it takes a supportive village with the mindset of empowering a child. Classroom Central is this supporting village, and with their resources, together we are changing students’ lives and academic outcomes: a bag of resources at a time.” — Ms. Stephens, Eastway Middle School
The deadline is [end date]. Here’s how to give before then:
- Drop off at [location] — pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, glue sticks, and pocket folders
- Give online at [link] — It takes less than 5 minutes! Thanks to their partnerships, Classroom Central, every $1 donated turns into $9 worth of supplies.
- Double it — check with HR about gift matching or select “This donation can be matched” when giving online
[Your name] Current total: [X] of [goal]
Email — Mid-Supply Drive Reminder with Student Story
Subject line options:
- The power of a pencil
- This is what your donation looks like in a classroom
- Week [X]: a story worth reading before you donate
Hi [team/name],
We’re [X] of the way to our goal of [goal] supplies. Before you give, read this:
“Before discovering Classroom Central, our school’s limited budget made it hard to provide a variety of art materials. With the supplies I was able to get, my students’ imaginations have flourished. Their artwork now reflects their unique personalities. The joy and excitement in the room when we unveiled the new materials was truly heartwarming.” — Ms. Starnes, Lancaster County Schools
That’s what a box of markers and a pack of crayons can do.
Deadline: [end date].
- Drop off at [location]
- Give online at [link]
- Back-to-school deals this week: [retailer] has [item] for [price]
- Gift matching available — contact HR or check the box when giving online
[Your name] Current total: [X] of [goal]
Email — Mid-Supply Drive with Teacher Testimonials
Subject line options:
- What teachers say about Classroom Central
- Real feedback from local classrooms
- Week [X]: hear it from the teachers themselves
Hi [team/name],
Our drive is [X]% of the way to the goal. Here’s what teachers across our region say about Classroom Central:
“It’s always so refreshing to go to Classroom Central. The volunteers are amazing and the school supplies we get for our students are super helpful.”
“I always shop here and take whatever I can share with my colleagues. It’s a great relief for teachers.”
“This is such a magnificent place. Such a super blessing when you are paid little and spend so much to make a difference in the life of a child.”
Your donations make this possible for all of them.
Deadline: [end date]. Drop off at [location] or give online at [link]. If your employer matches gifts, now is a great time to use that benefit.
[Your name] Current total: [X] of [goal]
Social Media — Mid-Supply Drive
Progress update: We’re [X]% of the way to our goal of [goal] supplies for @ClassroomCentral. Drop off at [location] or give online at [link]. Back-to-school deals are at their peak right now — [item] is [price] at [retailer] this week. #9SchoolTools
Impact reminder: 130,000 local students rely on @ClassroomCentral for their school supplies each year. Our drive is helping stock those shelves. Every pencil, every notebook, every glue stick counts. Drop off at [location] or give at [link]. #SchoolTools #PencilsIntoPossibilities #ClassroomCentral
Teacher voice: “A bag of resources at a time.” That’s how Ms. Stephens, a local middle school teacher, describes the difference @ClassroomCentral makes. Our drive runs through [end date]. [location or link] #SchoolTools #ClassroomCentral
Employer match reminder: If your employer matches charitable donations, this is the moment. Every dollar you give online could become two. Check the “This donation can be matched” box at [link]. #9SchoolTools @ClassroomCentral
Top Tips:
- Department vs department challenge — the team with the most donations by Friday gets bragging rights (or donuts)
- Donate to unlock — team gets an ice cream social or early Friday finish when the barrel hits [X] items
- Milestone shoutout — publicly recognize the first person to donate online and the team with the most in-person drops
Final 5 days of your supply drive
This is the highest-impact window of the whole campaign. Back-to-school sales are at their peak, urgency is real, and one strong push can significantly move your final total.
Email — Final Countdown
Subject line options:
- [X] days left — back-to-school deals won’t last much longer
- Last call: [goal minus current total] school supplies still needed
- Our school supply drive closes [end date] — here’s one last chance to make it count
Hi [team/name],
Our school supply drive closes on [end date] — [X] days from now.
We’ve collected [current total] of our [goal] goal. We still need [remaining] more supplies to hit our target. Here’s what makes this the best week to give:
Back-to-school sales are at their lowest prices of the year right now. This week: [item] is [price] at [retailer], [item] is [price] at [retailer]. A $10 donation this week goes further than at any other time of year.
Three ways to give before [end date]:
- Drop off supplies at [location]
- Give online at [link] — It takes less than 5 minutes! Thanks to their partnerships, Classroom Central, every $1 donated turns into $9 worth of supplies.
- Double it — use your employer match benefit before the drive closes. Check the box to DOUBLE your impact.
Remember: these supplies don’t just stock classrooms in August. Classroom Central’s shelves support 130,000 local students and their teachers all year long. What you give today will still be making a difference in March.
[Your name] Current total: [X] of [goal] — [X] days left
Social Media — Final Push
Countdown (daily): [X] days left in our @ClassroomCentral supply drive. We’re at [current total] of our [goal] goal. Drop off at [location] or give in under 5 minutes at [link]. #SchoolTools #ClassroomCentral
Deals push: Back-to-school prices won’t be this low again until next year. This week: [item] is [price] at [retailer]. Shop our drive at [link] or drop off at [location]. #SchoolTools @ClassroomCentral #ClassroomCentral
Final day: Today is the last day. Drop off at [location] or give at [link] before midnight. Every single item goes directly to a local classroom. Thank you. #SchoolTools #PencilsIntoPossibilities @ClassroomCentral #ClassroomCentral
Activities for the final push:
- 48-hour sprint — any team or department that brings in [X] items in the last 48 hours gets a specific reward
- Match day — leadership matches every item or dollar donated on one specific final day
- Last chance desk drop — leave a printed note at every desk or workspace on the final day with the supply list and online link
A strong close matters as much as a strong launch. People who feel genuinely thanked come back next year.
Email — Wrap Up and Thank You
Subject line options:
- We did it — here’s what you made possible
- [Final total] school supplies heading to local classrooms
- Thank you — here’s the impact of what you gave
Hi [team/name],
Our school supply drive is complete — and the results are remarkable.
Together we collected [final total] school supply items for Classroom Central, supporting local students and teachers across [X] schools in our region. [If applicable: We exceeded our goal of [goal] / We finished at [X]% of our goal — an incredible effort from everyone who gave.]
Every item is now heading to a place where it will be used by a student who couldn’t afford it otherwise. That’s what your time and generosity made possible.
A few ways to stay connected with Classroom Central:
- Attend a monthly Show & Tell event to see the impact firsthand — details at ClassroomCentral.org
- Volunteer in person or remotely — there are options for every schedule
- Follow @ClassroomCentral on social media for updates throughout the year
Thank you again. We’re proud of what this team accomplished.
[Your name]
Social Media — Wrap Up
Celebration: We did it. [Final total] school supplies collected and delivered to @ClassroomCentral. Every single one is heading to a local classroom this August. Thank you to everyone who gave. #SchoolTools #PencilsIntoPossibilities #ClassroomCentral
Drop-off moment: This is what [final total] school supplies looks like. We just dropped them off at @ClassroomCentral — heading to 130,000 students across our region. Could not be prouder of this team. #SchoolTools #ClassroomCentral
See you next year: We’ll be back. Our first School Tools drive raised [final total] supplies for local students. If you want to host your own drive next summer, start at ClassroomCentral.org. #SchoolTools @ClassroomCentral #ClassroomCentral
Image and video ideas:
- Team photo with the full final collection before drop-off — this is the hero image of the whole campaign
- Photo or short video at the Classroom Central loading dock — the handoff moment is genuinely powerful and performs well on social
- Before and after — empty barrel on day one, full barrel on the last day
STORY BANK Pull any of these into any email or social post at any stage
Emotional — the village: “It takes a supportive village with the mindset of empowering a child. Classroom Central is this supporting village, and with their resources, together we are changing students’ lives and academic outcomes: a bag of resources at a time.” — Ms. Stephens, Eastway Middle School
Practical — the relief: “Classroom Central has been an incredible blessing. Thanks to their support, I got all the supplies my students needed — pencils, notebook paper, even backpacks. Now they don’t have to feel anxious coming to school.” — Mr. Clark, Iredell-Statesville Schools
Creative — the transformation: “With the art supplies from Classroom Central, my students’ imaginations have flourished. Their artwork now reflects their unique personalities. The joy and excitement in the room when we unveiled the new materials was truly heartwarming.” — Ms. Starnes, Lancaster County Schools
Official
ToolKit
Social Media Graphics
Barrel
Posters
Box
Poster
Ready to drop off your donated school supplies?
NEW this year: Complete your sorting sheet ONLINE
After your supplies are sorted and counted, complete the online Digital Sorting Sheet. This NEW process helps us process your donation accurately and move supplies into inventory faster for teachers and students.
Once submitted, a copy of your completed sorting sheet will be emailed to you. Please print it and bring it with you when you drop off your donation.
When you arrive, hand your printed sorting sheet to the Classroom Central team member who helps you unload your supplies.
Prefer to fill it out by hand? You can also download and print the manual Sorting Sheet and bring it when you.
or
Are you ready to drop off the supplies you collected during your campaign? Wrap up your campaign with ease and schedule your drop-off appointment. Click below!
If you have any questions or need additional resources, please email Darden Blow, Director of Community Engagement.