Teachers can stock up on supplies in LIC on Aug. 27
Materials for the Arts hosts fifth-annual ‘shopping spree’ for educators
BY JENNA BAGCAL
A creative reuse program
based in Long Island City is
helping public schools and
nonprofits get free school
supplies this year.
Starting on Aug. 27,
Materials for the Arts is
hosting its fifth annual
supply shopping event,
where members can pick
up much-needed free
resources from the
organization’s warehouse.
MFTA members can make
appointments to shop the
warehouse at 33-00 Northern
Blvd. on Tuesdays beginning
at 10 a.m. and Thursdays
beginning at 1:30 p.m. Each
member is allowed a 90- to
120-minute shopping window.
Existing members can visit
the MFTA website to make
an appointment.
Individuals must be MFTA
members to participate in
the supply “shopping spree.”
Department of Education
schools and nonprofits must
meet certain criteria to be
eligible MFTA members.
Click here to find out how to
become a member or check if
your DOE school is already
an MFTA member.
In addition to shopping
the 35,000-square-foot
warehouse, the organization
encourages individuals and
companies to donate supplies
or funds. Donations, which
are tax-deductible, can be
dropped off at MFTA, qualify
for free pickup, be shipped or
posted online to the Direct
Donations list. Those who
drop off donations can do so
on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays.
The following is a list of
MFTA’s most wanted items
from donors:
• Art books — only creative
and performing arts-related
• Art supplies — paint,
brushes, glue, tape, glitter,
crayons, markers, etc.
• Audio and video
equipment
• Beads and jewelry
The fifth annual school supply shopping event for MFTA members
begins Aug. 27 Photo courtesy of Materials for the Arts
• Chairs — especially
rolling office chairs and
folding chairs
• Computers (nothing over
4 years old)
• Digital cameras and
tripods
• Fabric — rolls and large
pieces (no scrap)
• Flat-screen TVs
• Folding tables
• Ladders
• Musical instruments
• Office supplies
• Paper — drawing pads,
reams of copy paper, foam
core, mat board, seamless
backdrop rolls
• Picture frames, stretcher
bars, canvas, easels
• Power tools
• Trim and sewing
notions
• Theatrical lighting &
clip lamps
Since its inception in 1978,
MFTA has supported the arts
and cultural communities
while promoting
reuse, recycling and
waste reduction.
Over 4,300 public schools
and nonprofit organizations
receive free supplies through
the program, which is run
by the NYC Department
of Cultural Affairs with
DOE support.
For more information visit
the MFTA website, mfta.org,
email education@MFTA.nyc.
gov or call 718-729-3001.
Reach reporter Jenna
Bagcal by email at jbagcal@
qns.com or by phone at (718)
260-2583.
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