RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Josh Stein and Department of Revenue Secretary McKinley Wooten Jr. have kicked off the annual Governor’s School Supply Drive to help provide classroom materials for students and teachers across North Carolina.

The kickoff event was held Monday at the SECU Salisbury Street office in Raleigh and included educators, community advocates, state employees, and community partners.

Governor Stein said students learn best when classrooms are equipped with the tools needed for success and encouraged North Carolinians to donate supplies to help students begin the school year prepared.

The Governor’s School Supply Drive is now in its eighth year. Donation boxes will be placed at all 275 State Employees’ Credit Union branches across North Carolina from June 29 through July 31. State agencies will also collect donations.

The effort is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, SECU, the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina, and Communities In Schools of North Carolina.

Governor Stein also highlighted his proposed state budget, which includes investments in public education, teacher pay increases, classroom supply assistance, and school safety initiatives.