What started as a way to make sure their grandson had school supplies has grown into something that teachers around Andalusia Elementary School are very appreciative to have.

Chris and Donna Lawrence started buying school supplies for their grandson, but realized school teachers in all grades needed extra help. That is when “Adopt a Classroom” was born.

“We have always done it for our grandson’s teachers,” Donna Lawrence said. “But once we realized just how much all teachers need a little extra help we challenged other businesses to adopt a classroom or even a whole group like physical education or art.”

Lawrence said that she is trying to get more businesses to adopt, but has a number of supporters already lined up ready to go. Supporters include Massey Automotive, Mallette Drugs, Covington Heavy Duty, Mr. Mattress, Tropical Smoothie and Little Caesar’s, Christopher’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry and a number of anonymous donors.

“We are still looking for ‘adopters,’” Lawrence said. “We have sent out messages, but some people need time. Individuals can choose to adopt a teacher or classroom as well.”

Lawrence said that last year they raised $1,500 for teachers, but they are hoping to raise a lot more this year.

“We try to give $100 per teacher in each grade,” Lawrence said. “With that being said, there are now eight kindergarten teachers, eight first grade teachers and three physical education teachers instead of two. So since the number of teachers has gone up, hopefully the number of donations we get will go up as well.”

This is the fourth year that the Lawrences have adopted classrooms, and the teachers at AES are grateful because otherwise they would have to spend money for supplies out of their own pockets.

Teachers at AES receive instructional funds with which to purchase supplies, but it does not give them the freedom to buy things such as a printer or a broom.

“This is very helpful to us,” kindergarten teacher Shelley Smith said. “It gives us the freedom to buy things without going into our own pockets.”

With the $100, teachers are able to buy printer ink, printers, decorations for holidays and laminating paper.

“There are so many things that we can’t get with the instructional money,” Smith said. “So it is so beneficial to have this money.”

First grade teacher Claire Walters said that being able to buy a printer with the money has made the stress of being a teacher easier.

“It makes a difference to have a printer in your room,” Walters said. “It helps things be more efficient in the classroom. For example, if I make 15 copies and I needed 16, I can’t leave the room to use the workroom printer, so having that printer in the classroom makes it more efficient.”

For any businesses or individual interested in adopting a classroom or teacher, contact Donna Lawrence at 334-222-4925, or 334-488-1468.