The teachers at Claude A. Taylor Elementary School in Cayce needed supplies. A neighbor with a million-square-feet of inventory heard the call.

The large Amazon facility, that is only a couple of miles from the school, awarded 52 boxes, filled with essentials. A box for each Taylor teacher.

George Schultz, director of operations of the local Amazon facility, presided over the gift, Wednesday. In a room filled with cheering children, he said it is only fitting that Amazon help, because of the financial burden teachers face in trying to make sure there are enough classroom supplies for learning.

The donation came on the day of Taylor Principal Mary Lance Garrison’s birthday. “I could not have asked for a better birthday,” she said.

“There are more than $10,000 in school supplies,” said Anne Laughlin, an Amazon spokeswoman who was in the school’s cafeteria, where the boxes sat, behind a paper wall that was adorned with a bow. Several students were called on by Schultz to come up and unveil the presents. The types of supplies ranged from file cabinets and paper to easels and ear buds for the computer lab.

Laughlin said there was even an overflow of items that would be put in stock- for future needs.

“Having these supplies on hand will make a big difference,” said Lexington 2 Superintendent Dr. Bill James. “It will definitely help in classroom instruction.” He also said the partnership in education with an industry leader like Amazon is a valuable asset to Lexington 2.

Sen. Nikki Setzler – who has pushed to increase the amount the state allots to teachers to buy supplies- said it is a great gesture by Amazon to give the needed supplies to the school.

Also on hand were several Lexington 2 School Board members.

Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said Taylor is certainly a school that needs the supplies.

“It will help the students in learning,” Partin said. She also said Amazon demonstrates a good role model for the importance of giving to help others.

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