As supplies purchased ahead of the start of this school year are perhaps starting to run dry, Wood and Washington County teachers got a boost earlier this month when the Hall Financial Advisors Giving Foundation hosted its annual Teacher’s Closet giveaway.

More than $20,000 worth of classroom materials were distributed.

“(A local teacher) was talking about how the students are really struggling this time of year with school supplies, and all the supplies that were brought in at the first of the year have clearly run out,” founder and CEO of Hall Financial Advisors Chris Hall said of the idea’s origins. “Teachers end up having to go into their own pocket to buy supplies for the students. We thought we could come in and help the teachers by giving them enough supplies to get them through the end of the year.”

In doing so, Hall said the idea was to give back to communities with whom his company has such a strong connection.

Cody Venderlic is a former teacher and knows firsthand about the need to fill in winter.

“This is that time of year in education where you’re probably running a little low on crayons and markers and glue sticks, or they’re a little worn out,” said Venderlic, who taught pre-kindergarten through second grade for 17 years. “To get a massive bag of goodies for the classes is just tremendous.”

Now, Venderlic is able to be part of the effort to get those classes what they need, through the Giving Foundation’s work.

It’s another example of how community partners can make a world of difference by giving back. Thank you to those who continually step up.