Angel for the Schools

Since she started at Teachers’ Supply Closet (TSC) in West Ashley, Chief Operating Officer Deborah Halon has taken the charitable organization to new heights, improving life for thousands of children and their teachers across three school districts. Imagine trying to teach kindergartners without coloring crayons, or high school science students without proper lab equipment. Many educators pay for supplies out of their own pockets; Halon has worked tirelessly to change that situation. Halon is a “real go-getter,” says TSC’s founder, Amy Buckley. “Deborah’s done so much to make Teachers’ Supply Closet a success.”
When Halon came on board in 2008, the organization helped five schools in Charleston. Today, it assists 36 schools in three counties: Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester District 4, says Halon. These Title 1 schools serve students from low-income families. Teachers are invited to visit TSC by appointment once a semester to choose the donated items they need, such as paper, pencils and binders; this helps them provide a higher-quality educational experience for students. “The teachers are ecstatic, and are often in tears, they’re so grateful,” says Halon.
Halon was born in Hammond, Ind., to Henry and Helen Halon. Married to Pat Coil, Halon is a former teacher who quickly transitioned to corporate America, working in database marketing, hotel negotiations, and independent consulting.
Halon credits Buckley for having the vision to implement TSC in West Ashley.
After hearing about a morning TV program that featured the Kids in Need Foundation, Buckley went online to research free supply stores and was inspired to gather a group of civic-minded people to address the critical need in this area. Mayor Joe Riley and Mayor Keith Summey proved “very supportive,” says Buckley. Shortly after, the store went up, and the non-profit was operational, but needed a consultant; Halon was hired.
A year later, TSC qualified for grants and funding by going to the tri-county level, says Halon.
Hundreds of teachers now get the supplies they need, which is why Pete Schwartz, store manager for Publix at Ashley Landing, describes Halon as “an angel for the schools.” After talking with Halon, Schwartz understood TSC was a worthy local organization that gives impoverished students a fighting chance. Last year, Charleston area Publix Super Markets distributed 13 pallets loaded with much-needed basic supplies to TSC during the 2012 Publix’ Tools for Schools drive.
The TSC annual report now lists many companies, civic groups, and individuals who take action to improve public education.
Longtime TSC volunteer Mary Oliver says, “When I started, it was a couple of tables.” Now, there’s barely room for everything, and Oliver credits Halon for the growing number of schools, teachers and students that TSC continues to reach. “Deborah’s the most amazing, personable, and high-energy person I’ve ever met,” Oliver states. “She has contacts everywhere, and all the volunteers love to be around her.”
Halon works with volunteers to restock the store. The workload is high, because TSC’s growth is dramatic. “We assisted 95 teachers in 2008 with 1,900 students,” says Halon. “Currently, TSC has nearly 600 teacher visits per year, helping over 13,000 children.”
Upon hearing that Halon has recently resigned, Principal Patricia Williams, Apple Charter Elementary and Middle School, felt like weeping. “Every time I think of Deborah, my heart gets full, and I thank God I met her.” Halon is “all about making sure children’s needs are met,” explains Williams. “I have a K-8 Public Charter School, and we do not get the funding that traditional schools receive.” When TSC received donated whiteboards, Halon and another board member personally delivered them to the school.
Felicia Baker, science teacher at Greg Mathis Charter High School, was able to demonstrate the process of cellular respiration due to the high-quality, shatter-resistant lab bottles a company donated to TSC; Halon called Baker when supplies came in. “The equipment is invaluable,” says Baker. “At a Title 1 school, funding is low, yet you have to find various ways to present science to students.”
Paula Huggins teaches fourth-graders at Clay Hill Elementary in Ridgeville, and says TSC’s supplies make a huge impact in children’s lives. For example, binders help students stay organized, promote successful habits, and build self-esteem. This process is important, Huggins believes, because “these kids are our future leaders.”
“Innocent children do not choose their circumstances,” states Halon, but “education is freedom, and every child deserves a good education.” So, “clean your cupboards,” she urges. “Teachers love binders, yarn, fabric, and even gently used crayons are helpful.” Art teachers typically teach the whole school, Halon points out. “And if we don’t care, who will?”
For more information visit teacherssupplycloset.org
 Lisa Weatherwax is a local writer. She earned the Matrix Table Promise of Excellence Award. Reach her at weatherwaxwrites@aol.com