Investing in Kids (INK!) is kicking off its annual Tools 4 Schools fundraiser by partnering with David Weekley Homes for a Stuff the Bus event on Monday, July 14. Tools 4 Schools is a community-based classroom supply initiative that aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for educators and ensure that both teachers and students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom.
Stuff the Bus takes place 9-11 a.m. July 14 at David Weekley Homes HQ, located at 680 Crosswater Parkway in Ponte Vedra.
“Tools 4 Schools is so important because it is a program that keeps giving throughout the school year,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s executive director. “Teachers can request supplies from the donations we collect and receive them, free of charge, to help make up supply shortages. INK! is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated community partners — each year we’ve been able to help more and more teachers and students.”
According to a 2025 Teacher Spending Survey conducted by AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers nationwide spend approximately $895 out of pocket on classroom supplies, a 49% increase since 2015. To help defray those costs, INK! and its community partners host an annual countywide school supply drive from June 15 to Aug. 31. In 2024, INK! fulfilled 2,347 orders for supplies, assisting more than 900 teachers and more than 22,500 students.
“This is such a wonderful way for our team to give back to the community that has so warmly embraced us,” said Kirsten Gregory, senior sales consultant with David Weekley Homes. “We don’t just work in St. Johns County, we live here. So, it made sense to collaborate with INK! to help support our neighbors, friends and local teachers. We hope everyone comes out to contribute to such a worthy cause!”
The St. Johns County School District bus will be at David Weekley Homes HQ during the event. Community members can come stuff the bus with supplies from INK!’s supply list and enjoy a cool treat at an ice cream truck, courtesy of First Coast Mortgage. A link to the list can be found at ink-stjohns.org/programs/tools-4-schools.
David Weekley Homes is also collecting supplies at its model home units beginning Tuesday, July 1.
INK! collaborates with community organizations, businesses, churches and individuals to collect school supplies to restock The Bailey Group Tools 4 Schools supply depot. For more information or to coordinate a community drive effort, contact Maureen Wilt at 904-547-7120 or email maureen.wilt@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
