Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives, in partnership with the Alachua County School Board, operates Tools for Schools, a reusable resource center for teachers. Tools for Schools is having their Back to School Supply Drive, which began July 20^th, and continues through August 16, 2009.

"Each year, many teachers in Alachua County spend upwards of $1,000 of their own money to provide supplies for their students. Through donations of new and gently used school supplies, Tools for Schools allows teachers to shop free for their classrooms." says Sally Palmi, Waste Alternatives Manager, "Your support of this project goes a long way to ensure that all of the students in our schools have the necessary supplies or 'tools' for a successful school year."

This year, the Office of Waste Alternatives is adding a mobile Tools for Schools unit that will allow teachers in the outlying communities easier access to these resources.  Tools for Schools needs even more supplies to stock this mobile unit.

Commonly needed items include: computer and notebook paper, pencils, pens, crayons, glue, scissors, hand sanitizer, paper towels and backpacks.  For questions about useful school items, contact the Zero Waste Team of Alachua County Waste Alternatives at 352-374-5213.

Citizens can drop off donations from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Tools for Schools Center (1147 SE 7^th Avenue, Gainesville, next to Williams Elementary).

Businesses wishing to sponsor a supply drive should contact Jenny Seitz at the Office of Waste Alternatives at 352-374-5245 extension 296 or jseitz@alachuacounty.us.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives at 352-374-5213.