The Albany Public Schools Foundation has long been a pillar of support for local educators and students, working tirelessly to provide resources that empower the Greater Albany Public School District. While the Foundation is separate from the district itself, its initiatives directly impact teachers and students in meaningful ways. One of their most exciting efforts is Peely’s Teacher Supply House, a free resource designed to meet the essential classroom needs of teachers—without the financial burden falling on them.

Peely's Teacher Supply House Albany Oregon

“Many people are surprised to know that over 90% of teachers spend their own money on supplies for their classroom,” said Andrea Recek, Director of Programs at Albany Public Schools Foundation. “The IRS allows teachers to write off $300, but surveys show they often spend double that amount, if not more.”

In Albany, that’s where Peely’s Teacher Supply House comes in, ensuring that educators can access the tools they need to help students thrive—without dipping into their personal funds.

A Team Dedicated to the Cause

Albany Public Schools Foundation’s efforts are driven by a committed team of professionals. At the helm is Peggy Burris, Executive Director, whose passion for education and community support is evident in every event and program the Foundation organizes. Alongside her is Andrea Recek, who oversees Albany Public Schools Foundation’s grants and scholarship processes. Supporting the operational side are Dulcie Hawley, Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant, and Jorden Parrish, who handles marketing, events, and community outreach.

“I couldn’t do what I do without my amazing staff,” Burris remarked. “Together, we work to support the teachers, and in turn, that helps the students.”

Peely’s Teacher Supply House: A Game-Changer for Albany Educators

Named after the Foundation’s mascot, Peely—a friendly apple figure—Peely’s Teacher Supply House is much more than just a store. It’s a lifeline for teachers who often find themselves purchasing basic classroom supplies like pencils, dry-erase markers, and tissues out of pocket.

“We opened Peely’s as a way for teachers to get what they need without having to pay out of their own pockets,” Recek explained. The store operates on a simple online platform, where teachers can browse available supplies, place orders, and have them delivered directly to their schools through the district’s courier service.

Since its launch, Peely’s has been embraced by educators. In just a short time, 83 teachers have registered, and orders have been placed by teachers from nearly every elementary school in Albany. Teachers can select from basic classroom supplies like crayons, paper, and sticky notes, but also more unique items like colored Sharpies and staplers—two unexpected favorites.

“Every order we’ve gotten has included a stapler, and colored Sharpies were gone within the first few orders,” Recek noted. “We didn’t realize just how popular those items would be, but it’s clear there’s a real demand.”

How Peely’s Works: Simple and Effective

Peely’s is designed to make things as easy as possible for teachers. After verifying their eligibility, educators can log into the online platform, where they browse through the inventory, just like any typical shopping site. The difference? Everything is free, thanks to donations and support from the community. There are limits on certain items, like Kleenex or hand sanitizer, to ensure everyone gets what they need, but teachers have been grateful for the service.

The use of the school district’s courier service has also been a major plus. “When we originally planned this, we thought teachers would have to come here to pick up their orders,” Recek said. “But having the courier deliver straight to the schools has been fantastic.”

Community Support and Volunteers: The Backbone of Peely’s

Peely’s wouldn’t be able to operate without the help of local volunteers and community partners. Volunteers from organizations like Central Willamette and HP helped transform the space, and community members frequently step up to assist with inventory management and order fulfillment. Albany Public Schools Foundation hopes to recruit a dedicated group of volunteers to help with packing orders regularly, as the program continues to grow.

“We’ve had several inventory parties with our board members and volunteers,” Recek shared. “It’s really a community effort.”

How You Can Help: Donations and Wishlist Support

Community members looking to support Peely’s can make a real impact by donating supplies through Albany Public Schools Foundation’s online wishlists. Both Amazon and Walmart wishlists make it easy to purchase supplies and send them directly to Peely’s Teacher Supply House. This ensures that the supplies teachers need are always stocked.

“We encourage people to donate new supplies,” Recek emphasized. “We’ve found that used items, while well-intentioned, often aren’t usable for classroom needs.”

For those interested in dropping off donations locally, the Albany Public Schools Foundation office accepts supplies during regular business hours, or you can bring items to community events like the monthly greeters meeting.

Making a Difference in Albany’s Classrooms

Peely’s Teacher Supply House has already made a tangible difference in Albany’s classrooms, with an average of 10 to 17 orders per week. While it’s currently open to K-3 teachers, there are plans to expand the program to include Pre-K through 5th grade by spring, and eventually, all Greater Albany Public School teachers.

“We’ve been really excited to see the response so far,” Recek said. “This program is filling a real need, and as more teachers learn about it, we hope to keep growing.”

For more information on Peely’s Teacher Supply House, visit the Albany Public Schools Foundation’s website.

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