On Saturday, September 25^th, Goodwill Southeast Georgia hosted its 2^nd Annual Teacher Book Giveaway. The nonprofit recognizes the ever-changing climate in the classroom can take both a mental and financial toll on our educators.

According to the National Education Association, the average teacher spends $459 on classroom supplies each year. That figure increases to $553 for schools in low-wealth communities. The annual event welcomes educators and school staff to build their classrooms or personal libraries by selecting ten free books from Goodwill retail stores.

With over 375 participants registered, the nonprofit prepared thousands of donated books to peruse, offering a variety for all ages and interests. Across Goodwill’s sixteen retail stores, local teachers selected over 1,145 books to fill their classrooms.

“Goodwill’s mission has always been to assist individuals, especially those with barriers, with securing employment, and we know that education is critical to reaching goals,” shared Michael Winckler, President & CEO, Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “Our educators have faced considerable challenges over the last eighteen months; additional resources and the opportunity to say thank you is the very least we can do.”

“This was an awesome event. We really need books in our class. This helped a lot. Thank you,” commented a Rincon Elementary teacher.