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Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
January is rarely the month that comes to mind when thinking of new school supplies, crisp folders and fresh boxes of crayons. For many teachers, the second half of the school year means stretching dwindling classroom supplies to make learning materials last.
Recognizing the need for restocked supplies, Bridge Point, a local nonprofit serving Stark County and surrounding communities, recently hosted Teacher’s Blessing Days — a weekend event that invited teachers to “shop” for new items to replenish their classrooms at no cost.
By the end of the weekend, 145 local teachers from 21 different school districts, preschools and charter schools received boxes of classroom supplies to enhance their students’ learning experiences.
Bridge Point’s donation room was fully stocked with school supplies ranging from crayons, scissors, notebooks and folders to teacher organizers, planners, classroom decor and more, all donated through its partnership with an anonymous local retailer and by retired teachers and donors.
Like many of its other initiatives, this event was one way the organization stepped in to serve where its leaders noticed a gap in support.
“Bridge Point's mission is to connect people with hope,” said Jeff Franks, Bridge Point executive director. “We work every day with local families, and we partner with schools and teachers to help us to serve those families. We love to share the resources we have been blessed to receive.”
The most common response from teachers who attended the event? “This is like Christmas!”
“The community’s response has been great,” said Franks. “It’s nice to see teachers be blessed in the middle of the school year when their supplies are depleted.”
Since 2011, Bridge Point has served as the “bridge” that helps people over a struggle or through a time of need, which often means flexibly collaborating with area schools, businesses, nonprofits and churches to fill gaps in services that exist.
“Bridge Point serves as a hub of resources for families, individuals and other community groups,” said Franks. “Our hope is that by helping meet the everyday and immediate needs of a person, we will begin a relationship to help them strengthen their situation and their lives.”
Its 1Hope Center in Canton South has served as its headquarters since 2023 and contains office and ministry space for other groups and agencies that share the common goal of helping local families grow stronger.
This year, Bridge Point celebrates 15 years of serving our community. The organization plans to continue growing its services by providing free counseling, tutoring and other resources. Its Generation Hope ministry program will also launch in 2026, which is focused on helping teens and young adults in their twenties transition to being independent adults by providing support teams, resources and training on life skills.
To learn more about Bridge Point, visit www.bridgepointcs.org.