Tools 4 Clay Schools

Collecting, storing, and distributing school supplies and classroom materials to classrooms in need year-round!

In Clay County, more than half of the students qualify for the free and reduced meals program, indicating a district-wide need for assistance. Many families are grappling with providing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, leaving no room in their budgets for school supplies and backpacks. However, teachers remain committed to supporting their students by spending an average of $600 or more from their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies and materials. To ease this financial burden for both educators and families, Tools 4 Clay Schools offers free shopping for teachers to select the necessary supplies for themselves and their students.

$1 Becomes $10

Thanks to our strong community partnerships, we are able to purchase school supplies at significantly reduced prices. Your donations can go a long way in supporting our cause. For every dollar you contribute, we can purchase $10 worth of school supplies, enabling us to assist more students and teachers in need.

Volunteers from The Bailey Group and Employee Health.

If you’d like to donate by check, please make checks payable to The Clay Education Foundation and note Tools 4 Clay Schools.

Attention: Clay Education Foundation, 900 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Our community is making a big difference by organizing school supply drives, contributing directly through our Amazon Wishlist, or committing to sponsor a classroom for a year with just $50.

Host a Supply Drive

Are you interested in organizing a supply drive for your business, professional association, church, or civic group? Our team of volunteers and staff can assist you in setting up a drive at any location, providing collection bins, flyers, and other necessary materials. To get started, contact us at hobermiller@clayeducationfoundation.com. We look forward to working with you between June 1 and September 1.

FAQs

Through our partnership with the school district, we have the privilege of collaborating with school leadership year-round, gaining valuable insight into the specific school supplies needed for each school. This guarantees that every student and teacher is equipped with the necessary tools to have a successful and productive school year. Since 2018, our free store has facilitated over 4,500 shopping visits and provided over $355,000 worth of supplies to students, teachers, classrooms, and the community.

The store is funded through the Foundation and primarily supported by grants, corporate giving, individual donors, and our annual supply drive each summer. Local businesses, community organizations, and individual collect thousands of school supplies to keep the shelves stocked all year long.

Every Clay County public school teacher! 

Our campaign runs June 1 – September 1, but the timing of your two-week supply drive is up to you. Whether you want to help us start the school year in August, or wait until the clearance sales at local retailers in September, you’ll be providing school supplies we need to operate the store the entire school year.

  • 10-12 pack – #2 pencils
  • 12 pack – color pencils
  • 24 pack – crayons
  • Student scissors
  • Pink erasers
  • Tissues
  • 8/10 pack – color markers
  • Pocket folders
  • Paper Towels
  • Cleaning Wipes

Donations can be dropped off Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 2:30 pm, at Garber Automall pre-owned building (3600 Hwy 17, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.) Please call or email hobermiller@clayeducationfoundation.com to coordinate your drop-off.

Bring your entire team with you for a great photo opportunity! We want to share the good news on our social media sites.

Or have a few team members drop off your collected supplies, and then invite our staff to your team meeting so we can thank everyone for their efforts!

  1. Schedule your School Supply Drive (2 weeks is ideal).
  2. Create an eye-catching Collection Box and place it in a convenient location.  Or email us to use one of our famous blue bins!  
  3. Promote the drive with flyers and posters, texts, tweets, and emails. 
  4. Accept financial donations as part of the drive, or better yet, have a small fundraiser.
  5. Schedule your donation delivery and bring the team along for a photo op.

You Can Change Lives

Every dollar you give is matched by the state of Florida, so your generosity is magnified. Join us in ensuring that every student in Clay County has a dynamic, high-quality public education.

Thank you to our 2023-2024 partners!

  •  Ameris Bank
  • CCUA
  • Chamberlain University Student Nurse’s Association
  • Capital City Bank
  • Clay County Clerk of Courts
  • Clay County Libraries
  • Clay County Sheriff
  • Clay Eye Physicians
  • Coastal Health
  • Cultivate Behavioral Health 
  • Fleming Island Rotary Club
    
  • Fleming Island Walmart 
  • Harvard Jolly Architecture
  • HCA Health Orange Park
  • Herron Real Estate- Garrett Group
  • Magnolia Point Women’s Club
  • Southstate Bank
  • Staples
  • St. John’s Country Day School Interact Club
  • Vystar Contact Center

For teachers:

Two teachers shop at our Keystone Tools 4 Schools store

Who Can Shop?

Please remember your school badge. You will need it before you begin shopping. Classroom assistants are not eligible to shop at this time.

Schedule Your Shop Now


All eligible shoppers can schedule a 15-minute shopping window during our open dates and times each quarter. If you are a new teacher or have issues logging in to schedule your shop, please reach out to Heather Obermiller at hobermiller@clayeducationfoundation.com. As a courtesy to other shoppers, please avoid bringing young children as the store can get very crowded.

*Please note that if you do not schedule your shop you will not be permitted inside the store.
NO WALK-INS, YOU MUST MAKE A SHOPPING APPOINTMENT.

Hours and Locations

School Year Shopping Events and Hours

Green Cove Springs Location- Garber Automall Pre-owned Building

3600 US Hwy -17. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Friday, January 5th, 2024 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Friday, March 8th, 2024- 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Keystone Satellite Store- Located in the Keystone Elementary Gym Room

795 Orchid Ave, Keystone Heights, FL 32656

Tuesday, January 9th, 2023 – 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Tuesday, March 19th, 2023 – 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm