A Huntsville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing teachers with free classroom supplies is expanding its reach into Athens and Limestone County, according to a report from the AL News Website.
Expanding educational support
Free 2 Teach, which has donated nearly $14 million in supplies over its 14-year history, announced its expansion at an event in Athens. The foundation now serves 113 public schools across Madison and Limestone Counties, benefiting over 75,000 students. Educators from any public school in these counties can now access the organization’s free store on Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville.
A response to teacher needs
The decision to expand came after requests from local educators like Hannah Kilpatrick, a science teacher at Clements High School, who previously relied on Free 2 Teach while working in Madison County. “These resources will allow me to do projects with students that we may not have been able to do otherwise,” Kilpatrick shared.
Free 2 Teach CEO Alison Kling emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Limestone County is an incredible place, and it is such a joy to partner with this community to support educators across all public schools so that together we can ensure that every child in our public schools has access to an equitable and excellent education.”
Community support and funding
Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly highlighted the foundation’s role in strengthening Alabama’s workforce. “We have the jobs, we just gotta have the workforce, and the only way you can get a workforce in this area is to grow it,” he said. Daly also pledged a $3,000 community donation to the foundation this year.
Operating on 99.7% contributions, Free 2 Teach distributed over $1.6 million in goods last year. In November, it received its largest-ever single grant from Meta. Those interested in donating or scheduling a visit can do so through the foundation’s website.
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