Watch CBS News

A Teacher's Dream Store: Wish List Depot Stocks Supplies For Free

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Each school year, teachers spend thousands of dollars of their own money buying supplies for their classrooms. Many teachers wish they could get the needed supplies for free.

Mary Bubala reports now they can, thanks to an incredible idea by a local woman.

Inside Baltimore City's Pimlico Elementary and Middle School, there's excitement for a classroom that's been transformed into a store with shelves stocked with everything teachers need. And it's all for free.

It's called the Wish List Depot.

"We are just very excited about having this program here because teachers no longer have to spend money out of their pocket for their school supplies anymore," said Elneeta Jones, principal.

The store is the brainstorm of Sharon Matthews. She got the idea when her grandson's teacher sent home a long list of needed supplies. So she started a nonprofit to fill the need. And now the idea is growing.

"Everybody is excited about having a second store," Matthews said. "We can reach more students and more teachers."

Teachers often spend thousands of their own dollars on supplies. It's a hidden cost of the profession.

Now teachers make up a wish-list and one Saturday per month the store is open for them to shop. The Wish List Depot has books, pencils, glue, scissors, wipes, hand sanitizer and more.

"This is just something wonderful that she does through her little nonprofit, and I think she deserves all the accolades for reaching out to help teachers be able to have supplies for the learning of our children," said Jack Young, City Council President.

Over the next five years, Matthews hopes to open 11 more Wish List Depot's in area schools.

If you would like to learn more about the depot or donate to it,  click here.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.