(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – With the 2014-2015 school year soon opening, the Free2Teach store in Huntsville can help teachers avoid spending their own money for classroom essentials.

Free2Teach offers free supplies to public school teachers in Madison City Schools, Huntsville City Schools and Madison County Schools. “These supplies are made available at no charge to the 3,500 classroom teachers who lead our 50,000-plus students” in the three districts,” board member Missy Ming Smith said.

The store’s address is 3001 9th Ave. SW at the site of the old West Huntsville Elementary School. The former school is located west of Memorial Parkway and Governors Drive.

“Each year, most teachers spend between $500 and $1000 of their own money to purchase supplies for their classrooms,” spokesperson Leslie Bruton said.

“With the ongoing support of businesses, local and state government, civic organizations and individuals, the store will supplement teachers in their efforts to deliver effective learning experiences to all children in grades pre-K to 12,” Burton said.

Run by volunteers, the store supports public education by stocking supplies that community residents have donated for teachers to take free of charge into their classrooms.

“We want every child to have the necessary supplies to learn. Classroom teachers see the needs of students. They know who needs pen, paper and markers,” Free2Teach Executive Director Eula Battle said. She retired as a kindergarten teacher herself.

To collect materials for the store, the Free 2 Teach Crayon Bash was held July 11 at The Lumberyard. The Boeing Company sponsored live music by 2nd Coming. Ted’s BBQ and Nothing Bundt Cakes catered food.

Free2Teach opened on July 15.

Free2Teach’s hours are 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday, along with third Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Teachers can register to shop by completing the needed forms at free2teach.3cfreestore.com/TeacherSchool_Menu.aspx.

For more information, call 256-426-5129, email to info@free-2-teach.org or visit free-2-teach.org.