July 26, 2026 – Sunshine Supplies for Teachers is asking the community to help local students and educators prepare for the upcoming school year through its school supply drive.
The drive is underway now and continues through the end of July, although the organization accepts donations year-round. Collected supplies will support more than 500 registered teachers and benefit over 23,000 students attending public and private schools throughout Macon, Piatt, DeWitt and Moultrie counties.
Organizers say the need is greatest at the start of the school year as teachers and families work to ensure students have the materials they need to succeed in the classroom. The goal is to help students begin the year prepared and confident while reducing the financial burden on families and educators.
Requested items include basic school supplies, arts and crafts materials, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, index cards, loose-leaf paper, cups, plates, napkins and other classroom essentials. A complete list of accepted items is available on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
Donations can be dropped off at several locations, including Dollar General stores in Mount Zion, Oreana, Maroa and Forsyth, Dollar General Market in Clinton, Coziahr Harley-Davidson in Forsyth, Forsyth Village Hall, Brinkoetter Realty and Frozen Spoon. As part of a special promotion, donors who bring supplies to Frozen Spoon will receive a free kiddie cone.
Sunshine Supplies for Teachers also welcomes monetary contributions, business sponsorships, surplus product donations and volunteers to assist with sorting, stocking and teacher shopping events at their headquarters in Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth.
Crystal Hoadley, Executive Director of Sunshine Supplies for Teachers, said, “We want our students and teachers to be prepared and excited for a new school year. We want to make sure our students never feel embarrassed if families are unable to purchase supplies for them. By donating supplies, you are giving our teachers the tools they need to directly make positive impacts in their classrooms.”
