HICKORY, N.C. -- A company in Hickory needs help giving school supplies to teachers for free.

Classroom Connections CEO David Hicks says that when he noticed many of his students couldn't afford their own supplies, he bought them himself. He started the business to help teachers all over Catawba County.

But this year money is running low and there are still items they need before the school year begins.

“Poster board, copy paper, notebook paper, pencils, pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, disinfectant wipes," said Hicks. “We don't require police to buy bullets. We shouldn't require teachers to buy school supplies for their children.”

Hicks hopes to expand the business to other counties in the area, but for now physical or monetary donations can be dropped off at any of these locations:

• Albe Graphics Designs
• Bethel United Church of Christ
• Catawba County Library
• Embroidery Heaven
• Eye Mart Express
• John Wooten Automotive
• Krispy Kreme Donuts - Hickory/Startown
• Lagunas Printing
• Loonie Shook CPA
• Lowe​'s Foods - Mt. View
• PDQ - Hickory
• Quality Discount Tire
• State Farm Insurance - Statesville
• State Farm Insurance - Newton
• State White Motors
• Wells Fargo Bank - Newton Main
• Four Peas in A Pod Restaurant
• Longview Baptist Church
• Hickory Fairgrounds
• Crawdad Stadium with Thrivent Financial