The St. Johns County Education Foundation, under the auspices of Investing in Kids (INK!), is accepting donations beginning July 1 for its annual Tools 4 Schools Stuff the Bus supply initiative that helps teachers purchase school supplies that are not included in the schools’ budgets.
In addition to partnering with David Weekley Homes, the community-based classroom supply initiative is partnering with local organizations, businesses, churches and individuals to restock The Bailey Group Tools 4 Schools supply depot to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for educators.
Cathy Newman, INK!’s executive director, described the Tools 4 Schools Program as an important tool that replenishes needed supplies free of charge.
“INK! is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated community partners,” she said in a news release. “Each year we’ve been able to help more and more teachers and students.”
According to AdoptAClassroom.org’s 2025 Teacher Spending Survey, teachers nationwide spend almost $900 of their own money on classroom supplies.
“This is such a wonderful way for our team to give back to the community that has so warmly embraced us,” said Kirsten Gregory, senior sales consultant with David Weekley Homes. “We don’t just work in St. Johns County, we live here, so it made sense to collaborate with INK! to help support our neighbors, friends and local teachers. We hope everyone comes out to contribute to such a worthy cause!”
Last year, INK! completed 2,347 supply orders, which assisted more than 900 teachers and 22,500 students.
The Stuff the Bus event will be held July 14 Tools from 9 to 11 a.m. at David Weekley Homes’ headquarters, 680 Crosswater Parkway.
Everyone is welcome to stuff the bus with supplies from INK!’s supply list and receive an ice cream, courtesy of First Coast Mortgage.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: INK! kicks off its annual Tools 4 Schools Stuff the Bus supply initiative on July 1
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
