Know a teacher in Edmonds who could use help in purchasing classroom supplies? Each week, the Seattle-based Davis Law Group School Supplies Gift Program is giving a $100 Office Max gift card to one public school teacher in Washington state for classroom materials.

Research shows that 97 percent of U.S. public school teachers often dip into their own pockets to purchase needed classroom supplies. In fact, according to a study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, teachers spent more than $1.33 billion out-of-pocket on supplies and instructional materials in the 2009-2010 school year.

The first award was granted during the week of September 5, 2011 and the program continues through the end of the school year.

“This program is needed even more this year than last year due to the amount of budget cuts in our schools,” said Mischelle Davis of Davis Law Group. “Larger classrooms, less funding and more expenses means teachers are using their own finances for supplies.”

Teachers now spend money on software, educational games, paper, crayons, pencils, glue and other similar materials. And some are purchasing supplies for those students who just can’t afford to buy the basics. In fact, student supply lists have increased 25 percent for the 2011-2012 school year.

Anyone can nominate a teacher for this program, including a teacher, students, parents and administrators. You can learn more about the program here.