At the start of the school year, there’s always excitement in the classroom. Fresh notebooks. sharpened pencils, bright markers—everything seems ready for a year of learning and discovery. But behind that energy is a quiet reality that teachers see every day; for many students, the school supplies they start with don’t last the whole year. By midyear, the pencils have dwindled, markers have dried up, and notebook pages are filled; and the stress of keeping up with rising cost of essential school supplies can heavily weigh on families already stretched thin. 

“Even if kids bring school supplies at the beginning of the year, you go through pencils, you go through erasers, you go through markers, you go through notebooks. You know, they’re using them!”

Long time educator Cassie McLain has seen it firsthand. “Even if kids bring school supplies at the beginning of the year, you go through pencils, you go through erasers, you go through markers, you go through notebooks. You know, they’re using them!” She explains. And Cassie knows that replacing supplies is not always an option for every students’ families. “I just wish people knew how much that can take a toll on, especially, low income families or families that aren’t able to go get…middle of the year supplies,”. 

“I just wish people knew how much that can take a toll on, especially, low income families or families that aren’t able to go get…middle of the year supplies,”. 

In Cassie’s classroom, access to these essential resources transforms learning. It’s not just about having a brand new pack of pencils or fresh gluesticks—it’s about removing a barrier that can get in the way of a child’s curiosity, confidence and ability to fully participate. When every student has what they need, they don’t just complete their assignments—they thrive.

That’s why the support she receives from Kids In Need Foundation Teacher Resource Center (TRC) is so pivotal. It removes the constant worry she carries about if she can give her students what they need to fully engage and explore. It’s relief to teachers and students alike so they can focus on creating, experimenting, and discovering without the invisible barrier of missing tools. For Cassie, and teachers just like her, it’s more than just supplies being provided without cost—it’s access to equity, confidence and opportunity. “So just to be able to provide that without question…” she says, makes a profound difference. Every time she is able to hand a student a new pack of markers or a notebook to take home, she sees more than just gratitude—she sees a classroom where every child has the chance to succeed. 

Educators like Cassie know that even the simplest pencil in the hands of a child becomes a tool for possibility. And they know that in a room full of eager young learners, having supplies that are restocked throughout the year means that every student can not only step into the classroom with confidence, but have the tools to make every moment count for the entire school year. 

At Kids In Need Foundation (KINF), we believe every student should have equal access to the opportunities and resources necessary for a quality education. Our mission is to create equitable learning spaces by providing essential supplies and support to under-resourced students and teachers across the country. As the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving schools where 70% or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), we are committed to ensuring every student has the supplies they need to learn with confidence and reach their full potential.

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Written by: Emily Pineda