Back-to-School Donation Drives
School starts early in East Tennessee, with students returning to school in early August. Adopt-a-Class begins collections in July to fill supply closets for a good start. The annual Back-to School Donation Drive has become a well supported tradition in Tellico Village and Rarity Bay.
Back-to-School Donation Drive 2025
This annual event will launch on July 8 and continue through early September. Adopt-a-Class appreciates the annual participation of local groups, including the Tellico Village General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Rarity Bay Women’s Club, Philanthropic Educational Organization, Ladies Fashion Luncheon, and TV HOA.
Donations from individuals make a huge impact. Collection bins are conveniently located at the TV Library, Welcome Center, Wellness Center and the Kahite Clubhouse.
Adopt-a-Class purchases many items in bulk with direct delivery to schools. Copy paper, card stock, sheet protectors, 1” notebooks, and earbuds are expensive, so monetary contributions are appreciated. Please write checks payable to “Adopt-a-Class” and mail to Karen Hamerslag at 232 Elohi Way, Loudon, TN 37774.
The following items are readily available and seasonally discounted. We have learned that name brand CRAYOLA crayons and TICONDEROGA pencils are much preferred for quality. Presharpened pencils save staff much valuable time.
Thank you to all our generous donors – YOU make a difference in the lives of our local children!
Donations are always needed to replenish supplies at our adopted schools. We believe educators should never have to personally support their classrooms. Collected supplies benefit students, teachers and support staff. We hope you will consider Adopt-a-Class as a worthy recipient of your charitable allocations. Contributions are very much appreciated by the teachers, staff, classroom volunteers and students. Below you will find lists of current school needs, and routine needs of students, teachers, and support staff
Please check this page for updated information on current school needs.
Student Needs
CRAYOLA Crayons (24 ct.), pre-sharpened No. 2 pencils, dry erase markers, colored pencils, colored waterproof markers, pencil top and block erasers, Fiskar scissors, colored construction paper, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, composition books, 3-prong folders
Teacher Needs
Post-it note pads, ziplock storage bags (all sizes), lined white and colored index cards, individually wrapped candy, dry erase markers and cleaners, card stock, paper clips, colored copy paper, black and colored Sharpie markers, all health care needs
Health Care Needs
TISSUES, disinfectant wipes, disinfectant sprays, band aids, small paper
cups, peppermint drops, hand sanitizers
Bin Collections
Adopt-a-Class maintains collection bins throughout the year in 4 convenient locations. Members regularly collect donated supplies and distribute them according to need at our 3 adopted schools.
For Loudon and Steekee Elementary Schools donations:
- Tellico Village Library – in entrance vestibule,
- Tellico Village Welcome Center – leave with receptionist. The bin is located in a secure storage area,
- Tellico Village Wellness Center- the bin is near the front door.
For Vonore Elementary School donations:
- Kahite Club House - labeled bin in hallway near bookcases.
Monetary Contributions
Cash donations are extremely helpful and tax-exempt. Adopt-a-Class is
exempt from TN sales tax when using donated funds to purchase school
supplies requested by our sponsored schools. Funds are also used to support projects posted by our schools' teachers on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit organization that facilitates funding of classroom projects.
CHECKS:
Checks may be made payable to "Adopt-a-Class" and mailed to:
Adopt-a-Class TN
C/o Karen Hamerslag
232 Elohi Way
Loudon, TN 37774
Donor Advised Funds (DAF):
A charitable contribution brokerage fund, also known as a donor advised fund (DAF) allows you to claim a tax deduction. Adopt-a-Class TN is a qualifying 501(c)(3) Charity; the EIN is 84-2532051. DAFs are offered by Vanguard, Fidelity and Schwab.
Supporters can also designate charitable contributions
as part of their RMD, called a QCD, or qualified charitable
distribution. This is an IRA rollover. We recommend
consultation with a financial advisor about this tax-saving
opportunity.
SCHWAB account owners can use this 501(c)(3) subsidiary to make Donor-Advised Gifts (DAF). Adopt-a-Class is registered with SCHWAB Charitable to receive donations. Please visit their website at https://www.schwabcharitable.org/ for more information on how you can make single or recurring donations. Adopt-a-Class has received several generous donations through SCHWAB Charitable.
BENEVITY:
Benevity is an organization that offers solutions to nonprofits that facilitates corporate giving. Businesses offering this option allow employees to make contributions by payroll deductions to participating charities. Many companies will also match contributions. Adopt-a-Class TN is now registered to receive donations as direct deposit to our checking account, with minimal fees. Please visit their website at http://www.benevity.org.