Any Questions?

A school supply free store is a nonprofit organization where all items are available at no cost to teachers. It is a retail space with shelves, fixtures and shopping carts where lead core classroom teachers have equal access to school supplies for their students and classrooms.

The Pencil Box is not open to the public. We serve public schools in Tulsa County, grades pre-kindergarten through 12, where 70% or more of the students are economically disadvantaged, as defined by the Oklahoma state Department of Education annual low income report. Eighty-nine schools are currently eligible.

We invite lead core classroom teachers from eligible schools to partner with us. Teachers make an annual $35 partnership contribution. During calendar year 2025, teachers received an average of $1,377 worth of supplies for their students and classrooms.

We distribute school supplies August through April. School supply donations are received year-round. The office is open Monday through Friday. We accept new and gently used school supplies on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Second Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please click here for the full shopping calendar.

The Pencil Box is a charitable 501 (c)(3) organization funded solely through generous donations from businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals. It is not publicly funded, nor does it receive funding from United Way.

In most cases, businesses and individuals can claim donations as charitable contributions. However, we suggest you consult your tax advisor.

New and gently used basic school supplies are always in high demand.

• Art markers

• Colored pencils

• Crayons

• Flashcards

• Glue sticks/White glue

• Learning games

• Manipulatives

• Notebooks

• Paper (filler and copy)

• Pencils

• Rulers

• Scissors (Fiskar)

• White board markers

There is no monetary limit to how much teachers can take for their students. We ask teachers to shop responsibly and only for the students in their classroom.

Some individual items are limited at certain times of the school year to ensure that merchandise is fairly distributed to all students. Those items are clearly marked with the maximum quantities allowed, based on typical class sizes and time of school year.

The Pencil Box strives to provide a dignified shopping experience for our teachers and quality items to their students. To fulfill our mission of equalizing the classroom and giving hope, we ask that all donated items be new or gently used.

We cannot accept items that are marked on, torn, or clearly discarded. Our goal is to ensure that students receiving these products feel just like their peers and feel a sense of pride and ownership. Processing unusable donations diverts critical time and energy away from our mission.

As a general rule, we do not accept:

• Furniture: Most large items exceed our storage and transport capacity.

• Out-of-Date Learning Materials: This includes old textbooks, outdated maps, or curriculum sets that are no longer relevant to current Oklahoma educational standards.

• Used Folders and Files: Items that show wear, previous labels, or markings.

• Loose Markers and Crayons: We prefer items in their original packaging to ensure they are complete and ready for use.

• Worn or Damaged Goods: If you would not give the item to your own child on the first day of school, or to a teacher you know and love, please do not donate it to The Pencil Box.

Size Constraints: We typically accept only items that will fit in the back seat of a teacher’s car. However, please contact us if you have larger items, as we may occasionally have a specific need for them.

Yes, we do. Please call or email to schedule.

Yes! Volunteers are essential to our success. As a small team of employees, we rely on the dedication of community members to ensure our free store runs effectively for Tulsa educators.

We offer opportunities for individuals, as well as group, employee engagement, and team-building sessions. Whether you are looking for a one-time project or a recurring role, your time directly helps us equalize the classroom.

Volunteer tasks include:

• Product Management: Sorting, cleaning, packaging, labeling, and inventorying school supply products.

• Store Operations: Restocking retail shelves to ensure a dignified shopping experience.

• Teacher Support: Assisting with check-in and checkout during teacher shopping visits.

• Skills-Based Volunteering: Contributing specialized expertise through employee-sponsored initiatives.

• Facility Care: Helping with the general cleaning and upkeep of our facility.

If you have an interest in offering your time to help our students and teachers thrive, please reach out to us.