you might try some of the stores in your area for things like yard sticks or magnifying glass
donations. At the beginning of the month i know that home depot for example sets aside $500.00 for charitable donations and are not that picky about what your ask for. walmart does the same type of thing. timing is the key, get their before they've given. [img]smile.gif[/img]
We aren't "allowed" to buy supplies for the school. "That's the city's responsibility" Heaven forbid if we help the library, art center or any other teacher/center not friends with the clique who is still trying to run the show.
We (well, the school) were able to get microscopes donated from area colleges that had purchased new ones. The school was also able to come across other items of such value for our new science labs and I believe the Library just by asking area colleges etc. They were happy that we could use the equipment and it saved our school $1000s!
In buying items for the school this year, our focus is science and math. Our fundraisers have only brought in about 50% of last year, so I want to make every penny count.
We are about to fund $1500 towards a shopping list of science/math supplies including yard sticks, meter sticks, magnifying glasses, various magnets, and some other odds and ends. I'm looking for sources. The school, of course, has some established vendors. However, I've found significant savings doing my own comparison shopping - so I'd like to explore a bit before we go with the school district supplier.
Believe me, I understand the value of master contracts and that they can't be evaluated on a single purchase. And it's not practical for a large organization to nickle and dime every purchase. But in these tough times, I want to get as much value as possible. Since the PTO will be paying for these supplies directly, we can use any vendor we want.
Any suggestions for vendors of these type of items?
P.S. I have done extensive shopping for Brock Model #70 microscopes and TI-15 calculators. If anyone needs a source for either, I have some great information accumlated. Just email me.
