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Pasco County non-profit sets up store where teachers can shop for free back-to-school clothes

Posted at 9:13 PM, Aug 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-07 23:20:20-04

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A non-profit set up a room for Pasco County teachers to shop for clothes for free. 

Marjorie's Hope got the idea from a teacher who expressed the need for clothes.

"Why didn't we think of this sooner? Why did we wait so long? Why did one person have to reach out, have the courage to reach out?" said Debi Shackowsky, Founder of Marjorie's Hope. 

The non-profit set up the room in New Port Richey where teachers can try on shirts, skirts and dresses. They can shop for free. 

"This is just a small representation of the love that we have for our teachers in this community for all that they do," said Shackowsky. 

Teachers can come to the store until Saturday. They will be asked to write down their name and the school where they teach. 

According to the Florida Department of Education, a teacher in Pasco County makes $43,200 a year.

Teachers we spoke to said they sometimes use their own money to buy classroom items.

"Dedicated, fiercely protective of their students. They'll do whatever it takes to help students succeed," said Laura Luter, Assistant Principal at Gulf High School. 

Shackowsky said her goal is to one day keep the store open year-round. Her non-profit usually focuses on helping students with back-to-school items. She is now looking for clothing donations for adults to help more teachers in the future. 

"We support you. You're valued. You're our heroes," said Shackowsky. 

She created Marjorie's Hope in memory of her sister, Marjorie, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1996. She was a single mother who left behind two children.

"She was always in schools selling popcorn and working with the teachers," said Shackowsky. 

For more information on where Pasco County teachers may shop or donate, please contact Project Manager, Sophia Edwards, at 727-808-3610.