Tools for Schools

Tools for Schools We are a reusable resource center providing new and gently used educational supplies to teachers. You can help! Who benefits from Tools for Schools?

Tools for Schools

Tools for Schools operates with disadvantaged children in mind since many parents cannot afford the cost of a school lunch, let alone the necessary school supplies. Tools for Schools hopes to alleviate some of the economic pressure teachers are faced with every school year. Every day, local businesses and households throw away countless items which still have educational value t

o them. Overruns and no longer needed supplies are just a few of the materials sent to the landfill instead of being reused. Imagine those items in the hands of eager students! They become useful supplies to help make math, science, and language arts concepts real. Tools for Schools is a partnership of the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and the Alachua County Public Schools that offers a place for teachers to shop for learning materials at no cost. Businesses and individuals provide the materials, and teachers visit the store to select items for their students. Teachers
All teachers are familiar with the costly burden of supplying school materials for their classrooms every year.Tools for Schools lightens this burden by providing an abundance of educational tools at no cost. Public school teachers from the Alachua County School District have access to the center. Teachers can earn additional shopping days by volunteering. Students
A lack of materials infringes upon a student's potential for learning and creativity. Tools for Schools provides Alachua County's teacher with a greater variety of essential materials, both traditional and non traditional, at no cost for their students. Businesses
Local businesses play an extremely valuable role in the community by becoming business partners and donating to Tools for Schools. Not only will the business reduce their amount of waste, but they will be providing free resources for educational use throughout the community. The Alachua County Commission and the School Board of Alachua County recognize these businesses as sponsors. Community
What once reflected negative images of alcohol and tobacco sales is now a positive influence, benefiting local children and teachers. The old convenience store located next to Williams Elementary School, near Lincoln Middle School, is now Tools for Schools, a reusable resource center for teachers. Environment
Every day, valuable items are thrown away while resources are unnecessarily used to create new materials. By reusing materials, we are able to help our environment by conserving our natural resources and extending the life of our landfills. Help reduce waste, conserve resources and save money!

Tools for Schools will be closed on Thursday, May 21, 2026.  We apologize for the inconvenience we will be open regular ...
05/18/2026

Tools for Schools will be closed on Thursday, May 21, 2026. We apologize for the inconvenience we will be open regular hours the following week.

Happy National Teacher’s Day! 🎉The Alachua County Waste Alternative Specialists team at Tools for Schools wants to give ...
05/05/2026

Happy National Teacher’s Day! 🎉
The Alachua County Waste Alternative Specialists team at Tools for Schools wants to give a big round of applause to all the amazing teachers who shape minds, spark curiosity, and keep our community growing strong.
And to the outstanding educators of Alachua County Public Schools—YOU are the reason we do what we do.
Thank you for everything you give, every single day. Enjoy your week—you’ve earned it!

We hope all Alachua County Public Schools staff are having a wonderful Spring Break!  We want to remind everyone that th...
03/17/2026

We hope all Alachua County Public Schools staff are having a wonderful Spring Break! We want to remind everyone that the Main Tools for Schools location is open regular hours this week. Tools for Schools will be open this Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30pm-5:00pm (last entry at 4:45pm).

UPDATE: All of the tanks have been taken.  Thank you Alachua County for helping us save these from the landfill!Alachua ...
02/25/2026

UPDATE: All of the tanks have been taken. Thank you Alachua County for helping us save these from the landfill!

Alachua County Teachers - Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection is currently rescuing multiple aquariums from the landfill, and we want them to go to your classrooms!
Whether you already have an aquatic pet or are considering adding one to your lessons, please take advantage of these free habitats. While originally built for Axolotls, these tanks are perfect for a variety of other small aquatic species—and many other possible uses. More details and photos in the comments.

Completely FREE!
While supplies last.
Must be able to pick up from the Hazardous Waste Collection Center during regular operating hours.

For Location & Hours:
Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection

https://www.alachuacounty.us/depts/solidwaste/hwc/pages/hazardouswastecollection.aspx

Huge shoutout to the amazing educators who swung by TFS and walked away with some well-deserved prizes just for stopping...
01/08/2026

Huge shoutout to the amazing educators who swung by TFS and walked away with some well-deserved prizes just for stopping in!

We see the incredible work you do for the children of Alachua County Schools every single day, and honestly, you’re the real MVPs. We appreciate you more than words can say.

We are open and ready to help you shop for free school supplies during our regular hours:

Every Wednesday & Thursday 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
We can’t wait to see you there! 🍎

Welcome back Alachua County Public Schools teachers!  Tools for Schools will be open regular hours on Wednesday and Thur...
01/07/2026

Welcome back Alachua County Public Schools teachers! Tools for Schools will be open regular hours on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30pm - 5:00pm (last entry at 4:45pm).

Happy Holidays!  Tools for Schools Main Location is closed during the  Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break starti...
12/22/2025

Happy Holidays! Tools for Schools Main Location is closed during the Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break starting December 24, 2025 and will re-open on January 7, 2026.

There will be no Mobile Tools for Schools during the Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break. Mobile will return on January 6, 2026 in Newberry from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Today and tomorrow, one lucky SBAC teacher who shops at TFS will win a special gift! 🎁The winner will be selected at ran...
12/17/2025

Today and tomorrow, one lucky SBAC teacher who shops at TFS will win a special gift! 🎁

The winner will be selected at random. To qualify, all you have to do is shop at our main location today or tomorrow between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. We want to show our appreciation for Alachua County teachers and all that you do for our community! 🎄

Thank you, and happy holidays!

Happy Holidays!  Tools for Schools Main Location will be closed during Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break starti...
12/15/2025

Happy Holidays! Tools for Schools Main Location will be closed during Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break starting December 24, 2025 and will re-open on January 7, 2026.

There will be no Mobile Tools for Schools during the Alachua County Public Schools Winter Break. Mobile will return on January 6, 2026 in Newberry from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Hope your holiday was great! Tools for Schools will be closed on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Come see us Thursday, Dece...
12/01/2025

Hope your holiday was great! Tools for Schools will be closed on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Come see us Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 2:30pm-5:00pm (last entry at 4:45pm).

Address

1147 SE 7th Avenue
Gainesville, FL

Opening Hours

Wednesday 2:30pm - 5pm
Thursday 2:30pm - 5pm

Telephone

+3523745213

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