Picture a child at school trying to write without a pencil, read without books or dream without the tools to put her ideas on paper. This is the reality for far too many students in our community. For thousands, basic learning tools are a luxury. In fact, more than half of the students in our region come from families that can’t afford lunch, let alone school supplies.

Moved by this need, and the fact that many teachers spend $500 – $1,000 annually out of their own pocket on their students, Classroom Central was founded in 2002 with support from the Charlotte Chamber and the Carolina Panthers.

Classroom Central started its journey by serving students and teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Since opening its doors in 2002, it has expanded into six school districts, serving 162,000+ students in 227 schools in CMS, Gaston County, Iredell-Statesville, Union County, City of Kannapolis, and Lancaster County, South Carolina. Teachers and other school personnel can receive free supplies if 50% or more of their students receive free or reduced-price lunches.

Classroom Central is about more than just basic school supplies. When a teacher “shops” at our Free Store or Mobile Free Store, they are eligible to receive $1,200+ worth of free materials that include essential school supplies, cleaning supplies, personal care items, STEM and literacy materials, lesson plans, books, and much more.

Classroom Central is affiliated with The Kids in Need Foundation, which supports a national network of school resource centers. As we celebrate two decades of service to the Charlotte region, we will continue to partner with our community to meet the needs of our students and teachers.