DURHAM, N.C.–The 258 branches of State Employees Credit Union in North Carolina are being used as collection points for a school supply drive as the state’s governor argues the general assembly has underfunded education in the state.
Most teachers, said Gov. Roy Cooper (D), are forced to reach into their own pockets to buy supplies for students, spending an average of $500 of personal money each year.
“We are happy to work with Governor Cooper and other partners – the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and Communities in Schools of North Carolina – by providing donation sites in all 100 North Carolina counties,” said SECU CEO Mike Lord. “This important project aligns with our mission of service and our focus on education. Many of our branches have held school supply drives in the past to benefit schools in their communities. This statewide effort is another way we can have a positive impact on the lives of North Carolina children, their families, their teachers and our communities.”
Responding to an override of his veto of the state budget by the general assembly, Cooper announced the statewide school supply drive that will run through September. People can donate classroom supplies at any branch of the State Employees Credit Union and at government buildings. The most-needed items include pencils, pens, paper, dry-erase markers and tissues, according to organizers.