Woman donates school supplies

SANDUSKY — A Sandusky Schools graduate gave back to students and teachers at her alma mater this week. Mary Giles, a local realtor, donated school supplies to fifth- and sixth-graders on Tuesday at Sandusky Intermediate School. Each classroom received a package containing binders, pencils, pens, folders, markers, colored pencils, paper, rulers, scissors and snacks. They also received sanitary items like hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, paper towels and tissues. Giles, who works for North Bay Realty and is a 2005 graduate of Sandusky High School, first started donating to schools while working in Akron. When she moved back to Sandusky five years ago, Giles kept the practice going. "School supplies can be expensive, especially since parents have to purchase more school supplies for the second half of the school year," Giles said. "This is where I come in." Giles said her inspiration for giving back to her community comes from teachers' budgets. Teachers are given a certain amount of money for classroom and student supplies, but the cost of these items can add up. "Perhaps a student may need more pencils, a notebook, a binder, or new folders," she said. "I want to help alleviate some of that stress on the parents and students." Giles' inspiration for giving also comes from her younger sister, who is a teacher. She described her sister and other teachers as not just people who teach children but also mentors who impact lives. Giles will use a supply list or contact local principals to ask for their teachers' wish lists. In the past, she has done this for full schools or has chosen a few grade levels. This year, Kozetta Pool, with Your Turn Special Events, also supported the cause by making a supply donation. She also collaborated with Sandusky Schools' board president Martha Murray for the planning. "It is a wonderful thing she does for the teachers," Murray said. "We love the support from the community." With Murray's help, they decided to direct Giles' support to Sandusky Intermediate School's fifth- and sixth-graders so no child is missed. "It truly puts a smile on my face to know that this act of kindness has touched so many people," Giles said. "I am also involved in many organizations volunteering my time, showing support and being a resource they can always depend on." Giles, Pool and Murray made their way to each classroom and handed off the supplies to each teacher as they expressed gratitude and the students danced with excitement. Giles hopes her efforts become big enough that other schools can be a part of the support. She wanted to start with Sandusky and then spread to other areas. Those who wish to learn more or make a donation to next year's event can contact Giles by phone at 330-618-0495 or on social media at Mary Sells Homes — North Bay Realty, LLC.