FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) — For many teachers across Central Illinois, summer doesn’t just mean a break from the classroom — it means bracing for the costs of filling it back up again.
From crayons to calculators, prices are up across the board due to inflation and tariffs. One Forsyth-based nonprofit is working to ease that burden, one classroom at a time.
Sunshine Supplies for Teachers is a free resource for local educators, offering everything from math games to dry erase markers—without the expensive price tag.
The non-profit held their open house this weekend, welcoming new teachers and collecting donations from the community.
It is the passion project of Executive Director Crystal Hoadley, an educator who knows firsthand how quickly those costs can pile up.
“I understand how much it costs out of pocket for our teachers,” said Hoadley. “We’re seeing prices rising, and our teachers are really feeling the pinch.”
Teachers across Central Illinois are invited to visit the Sunshine Supplies store once a month and fill their carts with classroom essentials. Members sign up and pay $50 at the start of the school year. Some teachers walk out with over $700 worth of supplies!
“To have somewhere here that we can look for the items we need, without it having to come out of our own pocket, is a wonderful resource,” said Wendy Jalley, a kindergarten teacher in the Maroa-Forsyth School District.
As costs rise and classroom expectations grow, Sunshine Supplies is helping teachers do what they do best—create fun, engaging lessons that inspire their students.
“If you’re a creative teacher and you want to make teaching fun, it’s going to cost more money to do the things you want to do,” said Mavis Bradford, who teaches in Decatur Public Schools. “The cost savings and just having it available to us here is amazing.”
Hoadley says it’s all about supporting the people shaping the next generation.
“Our teachers are in charge of taking care of our future in those classrooms,” she said with a smile. “This store is something really special.”
For more information on memberships, to donate items or monetary gifts, or inquire how your business can help the nonprofit, click here.
Their store will open it's doors on August 1st at 1130 Hickory Point Mall.
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