Teachers Aid

Providing school supplies for teachers in low income schools.

“As a teacher we know that we have to go out and purchase things ourselves so that the students can have the supplies that they need. This program has helped us to get the tools that we need so we can do well in the classroom.”

Without the proper tools to do the work, many children are challenged to achieve academic success. When families can’t afford basic school supplies, compassionate teachers use their own funds to ensure their students have a productive, efficient learning experience.

The Teachers Aid program provides supplies to teachers and families in schools that meet the following criteria:

How It Works

  • All supplies in the center are completely free for teachers who are on the program
  • Teachers select from donated items via an online shop and a standard/custom box will be built with the supplies chosen
  • Select a pick-up time on Tuesday from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 -11:30 a.m. or 1:30 -3:30 p.m. throughout the school year

Keeping You Safe

  • Teachers Aid has changed to an online platform due to the challenges of in-store shopping due to Covid-19
  • A drive-thru model has been implemented to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, teachers and students
  • Teachers can remain in their vehicle during pick-up and supplies will be placed in the trunk of the car

The program is an affiliate of the Kids In Need Foundation’s National Network of Resource Centers, sponsored by Dixon Ticonderoga

The program is an affiliate of the Kids in Need Foundation’s Kids in Need National Network sponsored by Target.

Am I eligible?

Teachers, Counselors and Principals must meet the criteria:

  • Work at a school that participates in the Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program / School Market.
  • Work at a school where 60 percent or more of students are on free and reduced-price lunch.
  • Have submitted a Teachers Aid Agreement.
  • For a school to register, submit a Teachers Aid Agreement and allow 48 hours for processing. Once the documents have been approved, individual teachers can begin online shopping.

How do I shop online?

  • Once the teacher has been approved, they may then select items from our website on posted shopping days: https://houston-food-bank.shoplightspeed.com/activity-book.html
  • Teachers must register at https://site.booxi.com/houstonfoodbank. Click “Book Now” and follow the instructions to schedule an online pick-up day. Once scheduled, you will receive a confirmation e-Mail.
  • You must use your school email address where indicated when placing an order and booking an appointment.
  • All orders will be verified by a staff member.
  • Teachers may order online twice a month during the school year.
  • School I.D. is required for pick-up and delivery options.
  • Please bring a large enough vehicle to load your selected items.
  • Every item in the Teachers Aid Center is donated. We can’t guarantee you will find the same items each time you visit.
  • The items are free for all eligible teachers; item quantities are limited per teacher.

What else do I need to know?

  • Promptly arriving as close to your assigned pick-up time as possible, helps us serve more teachers in a timely fashion.
  • We are transitioning to a drive-thru model and you must bring confirmation of your booked time in order to pick-up your items. School I.D. will also be required when picking up.
  • Teachers are only able to pick-up orders for themselves and will not be able to pick-up for another teacher.
  • Because items are donated, the Houston Food Bank must ensure that they are used for the donor’s intended purpose. Please help us honor our commitment to our donors. Items may not be resold, traded or bartered for home or personal use.

Directions

Teachers Aid is at separate location from our Portwall Warehouse  and is located at 8353 East Freeway, Houston TX 77029 (on the corner of Aleen and the East Freeway).

– Follow the same directions as you would if arriving to the Houston Food Bank warehouse on Portall Street
– Pass Portwall Street and turn right onto the following street, Aleen.
– Enter the parking lot for the Teachers Aid building and follow the posted signs.

Connect with us in our Facebook Group.

For questions regarding Teachers Aid, please contact:

Teachers Aid
832-409-1726