They will give away 2,000 bags of pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, coloring pencils and other supplies this week at three locations.
Members of the Vallejo Education Association, the teachers' union, started the giveaway Monday at the JFK Library. Today at 3 p.m., teachers will dole out supplies at the Springstowne Library at 1003 Oakwood Ave.
They will hand out supplies again on Wednesday at the Vallejo Community Center and on Thursday at the Omega Boys & Girls Club between 3 and 6:30 p.m.
Vallejo Friends of the Library has donated 50 boxes of books for the students to take home.
The 850-member Vallejo Education Association is aware that the economy has directly impacted students and their families, president Christal Watts said.
"When times are hard, families must make hard choices on purchases for their families and unfortunately, when it comes to providing food on your table or school supplies, parents are obviously going to choose providing food and shelter for their kids," Watts said in a statement.
Last year, the teachers gave away $11,000 worth of supplies. This year's total is about the same, Watts said. The money comes from union dues, Watts said.
The Vallejo teachers reached a contract agreement with the Vallejo City Unified School District in the spring. Watts said the district has offered a retirement incentive the union hopes will avoid any teacher layoffs.
