Relieving teacher supply costs, I Heart Bryan’s Teacher Closet to open Monday

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - A resource that will help teachers save money on supplies for the upcoming school year is set to open Monday. According to Adopt a Classroom, teachers spent more than ever out of their own pockets last year on school supplies. The nonprofit, I Heart Bryan, is hoping to relieve some of these costs with its Teacher Closet at Morning Star Storage.

The organization’s founder Fabi Payton said that the closet will have everything from supplies to games and even gently-used furniture. She said the goal is for it to be a blessing.

“I hope this lets them feel supported and lets them know that there are community members that want the culture to change, the culture that surrounds academics and how teachers are treated and how teachers are affected, we want it to change,” Payton said.

Adopt a Classroom reported that a majority of teachers spent an average of $750 on supplies for their classrooms. Some even spent $1,000 or more.

I Heart Bryan started collecting donations for the closet in June and will continue to collect them during the grand opening and beyond. Ahead of the grand opening, Payton said the closet is in need of school supplies like dry erase markers, erasers and pencils. A full list of items to donate can be found here.

The closet will be open to all teachers with a valid school ID. Once the closet is open, teachers will be able to shop by making a 15-minute appointment.

“I want them to know that we’re in it with them, and we’re gonna help our community rally around them and we’re gonna help them, even from afar, change the culture that helps them feel more supported,” Payton said.

I Heart Bryan will cut the ribbon to its Teacher Closet at Morning Star Storage on Harvey Mitchell Parkway in Bryan on Monday at 5:30 p.m. More information about the closet and the grand opening can be found below.

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