That’s reality for many new teachers across Granbury, Tolar, and Lipan this fall. But here’s the good news – you can help change that with something as simple as dropping off a pack of pens or some sticky notes.
What’s Happening
The Granbury Chamber is putting together welcome bags for 250 new teachers starting their careers in our local schools. These aren’t just any gift bags – they’re filled with the actual supplies teachers need but often have to buy with their own money.
We’re talking about the basics that make a classroom function: colorful paper clips, highlighters, sticky notes, pencils, markers, and all those little things that add up to big expenses when you’re on a teacher’s salary.
How You Can Help Right Now
Here’s what makes this so easy: you don’t need to organize anything or figure out what to buy. Just grab a few extra items next time you’re at the store and drop them off at the Granbury Chamber office.
Where: 3408 East US Highway 377
When: By Thursday, August 7th at 5 PM
What: Any new school supplies – pens, pencils, paper, sticky notes, markers, you name it
Think about it – for the price of your morning coffee, you could contribute supplies that a teacher will use to educate dozens of kids this year.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
New teachers are already spending hundreds of their own dollars just to get their classrooms ready. Many are fresh out of college, paying student loans, and trying to make ends meet on a starting teacher’s salary.
When they get one of these welcome bags, they’re not just receiving supplies – they’re getting a message from their community that says “we see what you’re doing, and we appreciate it.”
The Real Impact
These bags are going to teachers in Granbury, Tolar, and Lipan – your neighbors who chose to dedicate their careers to educating the next generation. Some are teaching your kids, your grandkids, or the kids who live down the street.
A pack of colorful pens might seem small to you, but to a teacher setting up their first classroom, it’s one less thing to worry about and one more way to make learning fun for their students.
What Happens Next
The Chamber is stuffing all 250 bags and getting them distributed before the school year starts. Your donation gets mixed in with hundreds of others to create welcome packages that’ll put smiles on teachers’ faces during those hectic first weeks.
The Easy Way to Make a Difference
You don’t need to donate a lot or even think about it too hard. Next time you’re running errands, throw a few extra school supplies in your cart. Drop them off at the Chamber office before August 7th. Done.
Your small contribution joins with everyone else’s to create something much bigger – a community that takes care of the people who take care of our kids.
Similar Programs Across Texas
If you’re inspired by this community effort, here are other ways to support teachers and students throughout Texas:
Houston Area:
- Teachers Aid through the Houston Food Bank (8353 East Freeway) provides year-round supply drives for teachers
- BEAR (BE A Resource for CPS Kids) hosts back-to-school supply drives at 3572 E TC Jester Blvd
- Houston Children’s Charity runs a Back2School program providing free supplies and backpacks
Austin Area:
- City-Wide School Supply Drive at Palmer Events Center – over 13,000 backpacks donated over 17 years
San Antonio Area:
- Bexar County Constables Office hosts supply giveaways during tax-free weekend
Fort Worth Area:
- The Welman Project accepts donations of school supplies for creative reuse with local nonprofits
Statewide:
- A Gift for Teaching accepts brand-new and like-new school supplies, arts & crafts, and teaching tools year-round
Your Move
Ready to help locally? Swing by the Granbury Chamber at 3408 East US Highway 377 with whatever school supplies you can spare. The deadline is Thursday, August 7th at 5 PM, and 250 new teachers are counting on neighbors like you to help them start the year right.
