ABC13 Loves Teachers School Supplies Drive wants to help educators stock classrooms as out-of-pocket costs near $1,000 per teacher
You can donate any amount now by texting ABC13Teachers to 71777.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's not too late to help make sure teachers have what they need this school year through the ABC13 Loves Teachers School Supplies Drive. There are two easy ways for the community to join our efforts right now. You can text ABC13Teachers to 71777. Or you can make a donation online.
It's urgent.
Teachers in Texas reported spending on average $935 out of pocket on school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year, according to AdoptAClassroom.
A survey from crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose found that without community support, teachers' spending on their classrooms would soar even higher.
That's why the the ABC13 Loves Teachers School Supplies Drive and its sponsors, H-E-B, Gallery Furniture, Air Specialist, Terry Bryant Accident and Injury Law, and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, have united with partners across the city and surrounding areas to make it our mission to close the gap.
In addition, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital generously donated $5,000 and school supplies while H-E-B contributed 500 kits of supplies that will all go toward local teachers.
WATCH: A Teacher's Kindness Inspired Her. Now She's Paying It Forward.
MORE: Teacher's mission extends beyond the lesson plan
Now in its third year, the event benefits the Houston Food Bank's School Programs, with all money raised and supplies collected staying local and going toward area teachers.
In 2025, communities united to raise over $46,000 in cash and supplies for teachers.
Revisit the sights and sounds from the 2025 school supply drive celebrating teachers in the video below.
This year, we're looking to collect more than we ever have before in honor of our educators throughout southeast Texas.
As you watch ABC13, look for more opportunities to give by scanning the QR code featured during newscasts.
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There's time to drop off new supplies in person today until 6 p.m. at the Houston Food Bank, located at 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029.
How does the Houston Food Bank help teachers and families specifically?
This year, school supplies from the Teachers Aid program (now part of Backpack Buddy) are being delivered directly to campuses enrolled in Houston Food Bank's Backpack Buddy program all year long.
For Teachers: If you are at a participating Backpack Buddy school, your campus leadership will coordinate supply distribution directly on site; no applications or travel required.
For Families: While the Houston Food Bank does not distribute school supplies directly to individuals or families, their goal is to lift the financial burden on households in other ways. If your family needs assistance with food or seasonal resources, please visit houstonfoodbank.org/findhelp or call the helpline at 832-369-9390 to connect with a nearby partner pantry.
How great is the financial burden on teachers?
According to the National Education Association, roughly 90% of teachers who use their own money to cover classroom costs have struggled with a 20% increase in prices since 2020.
AdoptAClassroom's 2025 Teacher Spending Survey found that teachers spent on average $895 out of pocket on school supplies during the 2024-2025 school year.
In the nonprofit's 2026 Teacher Impact Survey, more than 93% of teachers stated they have students whose families can't afford all the necessary school supplies.
It's no surprise then that 81% of teachers said the top reason for purchasing supplies is because they want every student to have the same opportunities in the classroom.
How are costs going up?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shared in Aug. 2025, based on the latest data available, that prices for educational books and supplies, such as elementary, high school, and college textbooks and reference books, were 9.4% higher than a year earlier.
With rising costs, it's also easy to see how teachers might exceed their own means to meet critical needs as the AdoptAClassroom survey noted that the median school supply budget is $200. Ninety-seven percent of educators reported that amount simply doesn't stretch enough to meet their students' needs.
What are the funds going toward?
Mostly essential supplies, AdoptAClassroom says. For 82% of teachers, that included paper, pencils, and markers. Sixty-six percent said they buy food for their students, while 64% invested in books and inclusive materials.
See the list below from the Houston Food Bank of the most-needed school supplies and the benefiting school districts.
MOST-NEEDED SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Pencils
- Folders
- Pens
- Composition Books
- Spiral Notebooks
- Post-It Notes
- Filler Paper
- Pencil Cases
- Lysol Wipes
- Scissors
- Glue Bottles
- Hand Sanitizer
- Glue Sticks
- Kleenex
- Paper Towels
- Antibacterial Wipes
BENEFITING SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS
- AAMA Sanchez Charter School
- Aldine ISD
- Alief ISD
- Alvin ISD
- Angleton ISD
- Brazosport ISD
- Channelview ISD
- Clear Creek ISD
- Cleveland ISD
- Cypress Fairbanks ISD
- Dayton ISD
- Dickinson ISD
- East Chambers ISD
- Fort Bend ISD
- Galena Park ISD
- Galveston ISD
- Goose Creek ISD
- Harris County Department of Education
- Hitchcock ISD
- Houston ISD
- Houston Gateway Academy Charter School
- Humble ISD
- International Leadership of Texas
- KIPP Houston Public Schools
- Katy ISD
- Klein ISD
- Lamar Consolidated ISD
- Pasadena ISD
- Pearland ISD
- Responsive Education
- Royal ISD
- San Francisco Nativity Academy
- SER- Ninos
- Sealy ISD
- Sheldon ISD
- Small Steps Charter School
- Southwest Schools
- Spring Branch ISD
- Spring ISD
- Texas City ISD
- The Rhodes School
- Trinity ISD
- Varnett ISD
- Yes Prep
- Yellowstone Academy
