Nebraska For Us supports area teachers with supply donations as tariffs drive up costs

Local coalition hosts school supply drive to restock local classrooms

OMAHA, Nebraska (September 24, 2026)—Six weeks into the new school year, Nebraska For Us hosted a drive for donations of school supplies Thursday afternoon to help restock shelves and classrooms for metro teachers as the demands of the year give them a better idea of existing needs so their students are able to focus on learning.

“Once again, the generosity of our community is shining in such a big and meaningful way,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “Nebraska is a state that has shown it values public education time and time again, and today is no different. People are really hurting right now, which makes this show of support all the more impressive.”

Costs continue to rise for consumers across the board, and that is especially true for teachers who often have to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. They are not alone among professionals often living paycheck to paycheck, which is one of many reasons Nebraska For Us found it important to raise awareness about the issue at a time when many no longer are thinking about classroom needs.

“Teachers fill critical needs in the lives of the students and families they serve,” Nebraska State Education Association President Tim Royers said. “They do not do it for the recognition or the accolades, but for the love of educating the next generation. This drive from Nebraska For Us is just one way we are able to see the community’s generosity firsthand. We could not be more grateful.”

A new report shows tariffs, which have raised costs on top of the war in Iran and other economic factors, are deeply unpopular as about two-thirds of Americans blame them for their rising expenses from the gas pump to the grocery store. Nebraska’s entire federal delegation has voted in support of tariffs and the war multiple times, which has only compounded the pain.

Nebraska For Us has long found it important to highlight these cost of living challenges as hardworking Nebraskans fight to stay afloat and will continue doing so through events like this.