ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At Perkins Elementary, desks may still be stacked up, but excitement for the new school year is already starting to build up.
“I get really excited, ‘cuz I want to see all of my kids and who’s coming into my classroom, and what we’re going to do,” says 5th-grade teacher Lee Lee Lapointe.
On this day, Lapointe is starting to set up her classroom by organizing books. What are some favorites?
“The Guinness Book of World Records is one that they love to read,” she says, holding the book.
And while every class Lapointe has is unique, this veteran teacher says year to year, there are some things that unfortunately never change. As students make their way back to school, many will not have the tools they need to succeed. And that means Lapointe needs to fill in the school supply gaps.
“I go and purchase them. I’ll buy them out of my own money because I really want to take the pressure off my kids,” she explains.
And that’s why 10 Tampa Bay and Achieva Credit Union are supporting the Tampa Bay School Supply Drive.
You can help teachers and kids by dropping off supplies at any Achieva branch in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. For locations, click here.
“We would love for you to come in. No donation is too small,” said Tasha Cohen-Glynn, Achieva’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager. “We really appreciate it in advance to help our children “achieve” their goals."
10 Tampa Bay will also be collecting school supplies on Friday, Aug. 2. You can drop off donations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Staples stores on both sides of the Bay. Helps us “Stuff the Bus” at the Largo Mall Staples (13013 Seminole Blvd.) and at the Staples at 3702 W. Spruce St, in Tampa.
All the donations will go to kids and classrooms most in need. So, if you’re able, please donate. It’s a great way to show teachers a little love because they love our kids.
“I think the most rewarding part for me is I’m making an impact in their life,” Lapointe said. “I’m helping mold the next generation of kids.”