When Arizona teachers are looking for classroom supplies for free or low cost, they know to go to Treasures 4 Teachers.
Since May 2020, Treasures 4 Teachers has partnered with AZEdNews, a service of Arizona School Boards Association, to provide free memberships worth $35 and additional $20 gift cards to AZEdNews Classroom Grant winners.
On average, teachers spend $500 to $1,200 each year out of their own pockets on school supplies for their students. That’s why the donated supplies that Treasures 4 Teachers receives from companies, individuals and teachers across the Valley really help teachers ensure they have the classroom supplies their students need to learn.
Classroom supplies available at Treasures 4 Teachers change each month, but include pencils, erasers, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, books, paper, notebooks, flash cards, fabric, art supplies, magazines, STEM kits, manipulatives, puzzles, markers, colored pencils, index cards, highlighters, backpacks, carpet squares, files, staplers, tape dispensers, craft supplies, organization bins, display board items, posters, classroom cleaning products and so much more.
“We take those donated supplies and turn them around to get into the hands of teachers for free to very low cost,” said Barbara Blalock, executive director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “We have two locations in the Valley and an affiliate in Tucson.”
A teacher shows the cart full of items she found for her classroom at Treasures 4 Teachers in Tempe. Photo by Lisa Irish/AZEdNews
Teachers from across the state can shop now at the Treasures 4 Teachers store in Tempe at 3025 South 48th Street, Suite 101, and at the West Valley location at 3802 N. 91st Avenue in Phoenix again later this year. The West Valley location, which is on the campus of the Pendergast School District Office, is temporarily closed right now.
“Partnering with AZEdNews on the Classroom Grants program is a win-win for both organizations in addition to a win for the teachers,” Blalock, executive director of Treasures 4 Teachers.
Apply now for AZEdNews Classroom Grants sponsored by Davidson/Belluso
“This partnership enhances our mission of supporting teachers in getting classroom supplies for free or low cost,” Blalock said. “This year, more than ever before teachers are going to need all of the support they can get, and we are excited to be able to help provide that.”
A teacher checks out at the Treasures 4 Teachers store in Tempe.
“AZEdNews Classroom Grants help the teachers that we support each and every day. It is always important to us when we know we can make a difference for teachers and the students they serve,” Blalock said.
Treasures 4 Teachers not only serves teachers, but anyone working directly with students in any educational capacity, Blalock said.
A teacher finds supplies for her classroom in the aisles at the Treasures 4 Teachers location in Tempe.
“The means that home school families, scout programs, before and after school programs and Sunday school programs can all belong to Treasures 4 Teachers,” Blalock said.
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“We have a huge variety of new and gently used items that educators can select from. In addition, we provide weekly free appreciation giveaways,” Blalock said.
A teacher shops at Treasures 4 Teachers for classroom supplies.
Treasures 4 Teachers also has a thrift shop next door to their store and the proceeds from the sale of all donations to the thrift shop provide free and low cost supplies to teachers.
