KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Tools 4 Clay came to Keystone Heights for a second time this school year to help teachers from McRae and Keystone Heights elementary schools, Keystone Heights High and other education-based organizations.

Teachers were able to visit the store to shop for classroom supplies. Originally Clay Education Foundation started Tools 4 Clay in Green Cove Springs as a free teacher store to help county teachers get the resources needed to successfully run a classroom and help students succeed.

However, many Keystone Heights teachers were not able to shop at the store due to the traveling distance. School board member Tina Bullock approached Clay Education Foundation and convinced it to bring Tools 4 Clay to the Lake Region.

The shop was located at the Keystone Heights Elementary gym and is open every nine weeks.

“Teachers can come and pick their own things,” said Alicia Hunter, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator. “There are always different colored binders, pencils, etc. They can kind of pick and choose what they want almost like they’re shopping.”

“Clay Education Foundation has board members that work with the communities that provide donations. A lot is cash and they order from Amazon and they ship it to the school,” Tina Baker, the Director of Community Partnership Schools, said.

The store is managed by Hunter and her team. Though Tools 4 Clay is still new in the area, local teachers and volunteers alike are excited that it is accessible for those living in Keystone Heights.

Not only will the store help teacher get the materials needed, but it will alleviate the stress, financial burden and the time it takes to restock their classrooms. Tools 4 Clay also will allow the teachers to save on gas, improve teacher morale and provide extra supplies for their students.

“I think it’s great,” one teacher said. “We need it a lot, it helps us help the students.”