Free is always a good price. Schoolhouse Supplies, the free store for public school teachers, began providing books, pencils, paper and other classroom supplies to teachers last January. Our biggest problem is finding enough volunteers to pick up donations, join in Saturday work parties or work on teacher shopping days. Ainsworth parent Katie Gold, the store's founder and director, encourages teachers and parents to volunteer in the store. Schoolhouse Supplies currently distributes supplies to teachers at 17 Portland schools, where students were determined to be most needy.
Parents also can earn up to two shopping trips for the teacher of their choice by volunteering.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.