TAMPA, Fla. — A local women's group is working to ensure teachers working with some of the area's most vulnerable students have access to cleaning and school supplies.
"I know there's been a lot of support for teachers on social media and online," said Ellie Baggett, founder of Ladies Heights Happy Hour. "But not every teacher has access to that."
The Ladies Heights Happy Hour has launched the Stayin' Alive Cleaning Supply Drive to ensure teachers in five Title I schools, who may not have publicly asked for help, can get donations of extra supplies for their classrooms.
The most-needed supplies include:
- hand sanitizer
- cleaning supplies (nothing bleach-based though!)
- disinfectant wipes
- disinfectant cleaner
- empty spray bottles
- pencils
- binders
There are three different drop-off locations for supplies, including:
- Seminole Heights Athletic Center 4423 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
- Valhalla Resale 6112 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
- The Disco Dolls Studio 4632 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
You can also donate and have items delivered directly by going to this Amazon Wishlist.
Owners of the Seminole Heights Athletic Center said they have many teachers who are members and teach children with special needs. They are preparing to teach in-person classes and are glad to be able to help support them.
"They need to be able to have communication with these kids," said Karen Tamayo, co-owner of the Seminole Heights Athletic Center. "They need to be able to talk to them face to face."
People are already stepping up and donating to help teachers, Baggett said.
The school supply drive ends on August 31.