FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - Every year, parents send their kids off to school with their bags packed full of a list of basic supplies, but for some it's a list that keeps on growing.

"Students feel good about the first day of school. They come with all that energy and optimism and to have the supplies that other kids have is really important," said Mary Beth Kjolhaug, director of operations for Companies to Classrooms, Duluth.

That's where “Companies to Classrooms, Duluth” comes in.

It's a newly created non–profit determined to serve the area by distributing excess goods and supplies from local businesses back into the classroom.

"Everybody's got junk and I don't mean junk, I mean good stuff. We repurpose and reuse a lot of stuff that would go in the landfill," said Mary Jo Jauert, executive director of Companies to Classrooms, Duluth.

The co–founders, Mary Jo Jauert and Mary Beth Kjolhaug, say schools have little or no budget for supplies, meaning teachers often foot the bill.

"They're spending their own money out of their own pocket to buy things for their classroom and for kids who can't afford it," said Jauert.

Teachers will be able to shop once a month, grabbing up to 15 items off the shelves.  The non–profit is looking for donations and volunteers to help operate the store because its future is based on the community's support.

Jauert said, "I mean the sky's the limit and if we get so many products in and so many donations and we have to move into a bigger place that would be ok too."

Companies to Classrooms, Duluth, plans to open Dec. 4.