We know teachers are the lifeblood of our education system. However, each year they must spend more out of their own pockets for classroom supplies they cannot get from schools’ depleting budgets. In the past, I’ve given teachers gift cards to office supply stores to help, but last week I found another way I’d never thought of before. Our small town has a wonderful and thoughtful used bookstore. I turned in a bunch of books and received an $80 credit for my efforts–but I’m not going to buy any books. Instead, I’ve turned over my credit to any of the county’s teachers who’ve signed up to receive children’s fiction books for their classrooms.

So, rather than refilling my bookshelves, my credit will help fill classroom libraries for students instead. I can’t think of a better way to promote reading for young people. Yes, I could have bought books and donated them–but who better than a teacher to know what is the best book for her class reading levels?

It’s a little thing and there are many more ways to help. But if you have a used bookstore in your area, think about seeing if the store has a similar program for local teachers. What could feel better than sharing a love of reading with a student, right?

Have you discovered a way to help local schools that you’d like to share? Please comment if you know of a program the rest of us can ask about or start in our areas 🙂