FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) — Crystal Hoadley is no stranger to the world of education. "I was in the classroom for nineteen years teaching middle school science!"

Hoadley dreamt that some day, she could put together a space for teachers to come and build their classroom. Now, that dream has become walls and shelves. 

"From pencils to tech equipment to furniture... all of it is free!" Hoadley added, with a smile. She opened and founded Sunshine Supplies for Teachers, a non-profit helping educators find supplies for their students. With a one-time payment of fifty dollars, teachers can come shop once a month for the entire duration of the school year. 

Sunshine supplies for teachers celebrates grand opening

Many teachers in the area came to celebrate this ribbon cutting, including many educators from Maroa-Forsyth. 

"It has become a financial strain for a lot of our educators," explained Hoadley.

The cost to teach continues to rise, leaving educators to pull funds from their own wallet to support their classes. 

"We do get money from the school, but it's never enough for what you need," shared Wendy Jalley, a Kindergarten teacher. Jalley says, she loves shopping at Sunshine Supplies to find creative ways to teach her students. 

For art teacher Terri Doty, having this organization has been a blessing. "To be able to say I need binder clips and I don't have to spend $10, although it doesn't seem like much, it adds up!" 

Shelves around the store hold library books, math games, pencils and markers. Hoadley is proud to offer everything from science materials to even hygiene products.

Doty said, she gets excited to come shop for new supplies for her students. "Teachers are really creative, and we use those things in some really amazing ways to enhance our curriculum!"

In return, helping build these classrooms will help build their students. 

"This store has turned into more than just a free store..." said Hoadley. "We got some great things that you can take into your classroom to uplift those kiddos."

For more information on becoming a member, or donating items, click here.

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