Firstmark Credit Union Launches Fourth Annual Classroom Supply Drive to Support Local Teachers

SAN ANTONIO – As students prepare to head back to school, Firstmark Credit Union and the Firstmark Foundation are once again asking the community to help ease the financial burden on teachers through their fourth annual Classroom Supply Drive.

Now through Aug. 12, community members can donate new school supplies or make monetary contributions at any Firstmark Credit Union branch. The collected donations will help provide classrooms across San Antonio, New Braunfels and La Vernia with essential supplies, reducing the need for teachers to purchase materials with their own money.

The annual initiative reflects Firstmark’s longstanding connection to education. Founded by teachers, the credit union continues to invest in local schools by helping ensure students begin the academic year with the tools they need to succeed.

According to the 2025 Teacher Spending Survey, Texas teachers spend an average of $895 out of pocket each year on classroom supplies, representing a 49% increase since 2015.

Last year’s Classroom Supply Drive marked its most successful campaign to date, generating more than $7,300 worth of school supplies that were distributed across 10 school districts. This year, Firstmark hopes to surpass that milestone with the support of the community.

“Our goal is to gather enough donations so educators don’t have to reach into their pockets to provide necessary supplies for their students,” said Marisa Pérez-Díaz, vice president of community and public relations at Firstmark Credit Union. “As a credit union that was founded by teachers, it makes each gift that much more special. Every pencil, notebook and classroom essential makes a difference, helping students start the school year ready to learn and grow.”

The organization is encouraging donations of frequently requested classroom items, including:

• Pens and pencils
• Notebook paper
• Folders
• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Dry-erase markers
• Construction paper
• Index cards
• Facial tissues
• Disinfecting wipes

Monetary donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase additional supplies where they are needed most.

After the drive concludes, participating school districts will be notified and supplies will be distributed to schools throughout the communities Firstmark serves.

The Classroom Supply Drive is one of several community outreach initiatives supported by Firstmark Credit Union and the Firstmark Foundation, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to education and helping local students begin the school year prepared for success.

Community members interested in supporting the Classroom Supply Drive can donate school supplies or make financial contributions at any Firstmark Credit Union branch through Aug. 12. More information is available on Firstmark Credit Union’s website.