Photo Provided
Verizon TCC of Wintersville presented eight boxes of school supplies to Hills Elementary School as part of its “Teachers Rock!” program, which recognizes educators for going above and beyond to help the children. Pictured with a few of the goods are, from left, Hills
Elementary guidance counselor Lois Pate, students Clarenda Orban and Ava Francis and TCC Verizon representative Caleb Smith, who is also a former Hills Elementary
student.

MINGO JUNCTION — Hills Elementary is getting stocked with some brand new school supplies compliments of Verizon’s “Teachers Rock!” program.

Caleb Smith, tech adviser at the TCC Verizon store in Wintersville, presented the school with eight boxes filled with crayons, paper, pencils and other classroom necessities on Jan. 17 to replenish some much-needed supplies.

Hills Elementary officials were grateful for the gifts and said they will make a difference when it comes to learning. Principal Michele Minto said the gesture also holds a significant meeting since Smith has a personal connection to the school.

“He was my former student and wanted to send all of (the boxes) to Hills,” she said. “We usually run low this time of year. I was very thankful that he thought about us and could help us out.”

“Teachers Rock gives out school supplies to help teachers because we know it gets expensive,” said Smith, adding that his former stomping grounds could benefit. “We do a lot of things in the community. I attended Hills and my grandmother worked there and it’s pretty close to home.”

He said the giveaway was part of the company’s Culture of Good movement, which recognizes teachers who go above and beyond and thanks them for all they do for children and communities. While distribution occurred a little early at Hills, Smith said another 32 boxes will be dispersed at area schools throughout February. The goal is to provide teachers with boxes of supplies they would typically purchase themselves and help them focus on what matters most–education.

Verizon has given back to communities by way of backpack distributions in August, which Caleb said totaled 2,500 bags alone in local Ohio districts, as well as the “Teachers Rock!” program. Nationally, the company has provided $10,000 to Children’s Hospital near Chicago and created 1,500 bedside boxes for its young patients.