Free 2 Teach, an education-focused nonprofit organization based out of North Alabama, demonstrated its love for local teachers and their students on Friday, Feb. 14, with a Valentine’s Day press conference on the steps of the Limestone County Courthouse.

During the press conference, it was announced that Limestone County’s two public school systems, Athens City Schools and Limestone County Schools, will now have access to their free teacher resource center.

The expansion will add 25 schools, growing the organization’s impact to a total of 113 public schools across Madison and Limestone Counties. The announcement was made on the historic downtown square in Athens, where elected  officials stood beside school leaders, teachers and supporters to share the news.

“We are so thrilled to expand our organization to serve the teachers and students of Limestone County,”  Free 2 Teach CEO Alison Kling said in a release. “Limestone County is an incredible place and it is such a joy to  partner with this community to support educators across all public schools, so that together we can  ensure that every child in our public schools has access to an equitable and excellent education.”

Free 2 Teach works to empower teachers and school staff by providing supplies and classroom resources at no cost to public school educators. In its 14-year history the organization has donated $13.9 million  in supplies at its free teacher store.

“I am very excited about our teachers having access to  classroom supplies for the benefit of our students,” Limestone County Schools Superintendent Dr.  Shearouse said. “Through Free 2 Teach, teachers in Limestone County Schools will now have the opportunity  to supplement their instructional supply needs.”

Free 2 Teach has partnered closely with local school administrators for this expansion to both Limestone County Schools and Athens  City Schools.

“Athens City Schools is thrilled to welcome Free 2 Teach as a new partner in our community,” Athens City Schools Superintendent Beth Patton said. “This  collaboration helps to ensure that every teacher has access to essential classroom materials to inspire  and empower our students for future success.”

Hannah Kilpatrick, a science teacher at Clements High School, spoke at the press conference where several local and state elected officials came together to celebrate the joyous event.

“I  have been wishing for an organization like Free 2 Teach in Limestone County for a while now, and I am so happy this wish is coming true,” Kilpatrick said. “These supplies will allow me to do projects with  students that we may not have been able to do otherwise and will allow my students to have what they  need.”

To receive free school supplies, full-time teachers and school staff must have a valid school email  address for public schools in Limestone or Madison Counties. To get started and create an account, they  should visit www.free2teach.org/teacher.

Free 2 Teach relies on community support to fund the operations of its teacher resource center and  warehouse, where it sorts and organizes purchased and donated supplies. To learn more about making a  donation, hosting a supply drive, or volunteering, go to www.free2teach.org.