Smithfield Foods supports area teachers

A donation of classroom supplies alleviates burden often placed on teachers.

As hundreds of Duplin County students headed back to the classrooms, organizations like Smithfield Foods rallied to help area teachers with classroom supplies.

Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Smithfield Foods, children in 13 Duplin County Schools are better prepared and teachers don’t have to stress about additional expenses.

“Teachers typically purchase these classroom items out-of-pocket but don’t have to this year,” wrote Smithfield Foods in an email to the Duplin Journal.

Local Smithfield team members volunteered to sort and pack the items that were later distributed to Duplin County Schools teachers.

“Teaching the next generation of leaders is a noble calling,” said Rhonda Campbell, senior community development manager for Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield Foods is proud to support Duplin County teachers and schools by reducing the burden of paying out-of-pocket for essential supplies that many students rely on.”

The donated classroom supplies included dry erase markers, notebook paper, highlighters, pens, pencils, glue sticks and more.