It is a struggle, teachers have been dealing with for years reaching into their own wallets to keep classrooms stocked.

"There is no exact dollar amount that you can actually put on how much money a teacher actually spends in the classroom," says Amanda Nelson.

Nelson is a former teacher who says expenses continue to rise. She says recent harsh budget cuts have made matters worse.

Teachers receive $525 for the entire year to spend in the classroom. After deductions are taken out, they're left with less than $100 for supplies.

However a new program created by a Dothan businessman is helping ease the strain.

"We want to raise a hundred dollars for every teacher in the school system in six counties," said Mike Schmitz, Chairman of Foundation for Education and Teaching.

The Foundation for Education and Teaching has come up with a new program called "adopt a teacher." Funds raised will help teachers buy supplies.

Coffee, Dale, Houston, Henry, Covington and Geneva counties are taking part in the program.

Schmitz says, "This will allow our community to say we're behind you, we're behind you and we want to help you and we want to do something for you.

While Schmitz says this is not a complete fix for teachers, he feels it is a step in the right direction to help kids succeed in the classroom.

The program relies solely on the community.

If you would like to learn more about adopting a teacher call 347-2275.