BENTONVILLE (KFSM) - Walmart announced that teachers who shop for school supplies at its stores between July 25 to 31 can receive a Walmart eGift Card for 10 percent back. Teachers need to register their receipts on its website by Aug 15.
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the company surprised a group of teachers who were attending orientation at the Bentonville Schools Administration Building Monday (July 21). They received a basket with school supplies and a $25 gift card.
Bentonville Superintendent Michael Poore received a $1,000 Walmart gift card.
Each teacher spends an average of $1,000 on school supplies and pay for at least half with their own money, according to Steve Bratspies, executive vice president, general merchandise for Walmart U.S.
Julie Clark is a 3rd grade teacher at Elm Tree Elementary in Bentonville.
"Some kids do come to class without supplies just because they can't afford it," Clark said. "It's just not in their financial budget as well."
"I usually go out and buy supplies for them on my own, so it's nice to have a set already so I don't have to spend my own dime on it all the time at least," she said.
Trudy McKissic is a 2nd grade teacher at R.E. Baker Elementary. She was another teacher who received a basket.
"We spend a lot of money trying to get supplies for our classroom so this is a blessing," McKissic said. "We really appreciate it a lot."
Walmart has donated more than $20 million to educators in the last five years, according to the company.