While we're still in the prime of summer, with school supplies already hitting stores, the Teacher’s Desk is reminding teachers about how they can get some much needed help.

The Teacher’s Desk has been around since 2011.

John Mika, director of the Teacher’s Desk, says the average teacher spends $800 out of pocket for school supplies. That’s just for core items. That’s why the Teacher’s Desk is there to help teachers. They can shop for free, twice a year, once each semester. An average teacher takes $1,000 worth of items. Mika says when teachers come in they often are relieved. 

“They cry, they scream, they hug each other,” he said. “We have about 265 weekly volunteers, and about 100 or so are retired teachers. So we have young teachers coming in who were mentored by teachers retiring. It’s really just a beautiful thing. It costs nothing. There’s no memberships fees, there’s no dues, nothing at all. We just want to make a difference.”

Curbside pickup starts August 14, shopping days are Mondays and Wednesday. During the school year, curbside shopping is Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2:30 -5 p.m., and Saturday mornings.

The first day to start shopping in store is September 16.