Walmart helps to offset classroom costs

ANTIOCH – Ten teachers from Grass Lake School in Antioch recently received $100 gift cards to spend on school supplies at Walmart as part of Walmart’s nation-wide Teacher Rewards program.

Antioch’s Walmart Supercenter hosted a luncheon event for Grass Lake teachers Oct. 3, where 10 winning teachers were selected through a drawing.

Jennifer Vermazen, director of special education at Grass Lake School, said that on average teachers spend about $500 out-of-pocket on school supplies.

“There’s not the money for supplies that there has been in the past,” Vermazen said. “I just think the partnership [between Walmart and Grass Lake] makes a huge difference in the community.”

Tim Sutherland, store manager of the Antioch Walmart, said supporting those who dedicate their time to education aligns with Walmart’s beliefs.

“Walmart appreciates the impact teachers continue to make,” Sutherland said. “It’s our way of saying ‘Thank you.’”

As part of the program, local Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations across the U.S. are eligible to select one local kindergarten through eighth grade public school and provide $100 reward cards to 10 teachers from the selected school. Winning teachers are able to use the funds to purchase essential items for their classrooms, according to Walmart Foundation’s website.

For more information about  the Teacher Rewards program, visit www.walmartstores.com/communitygiving. To learn more about Grass Lake School, visit www.grasslake.lake.k12.il.us.