KNOXVILLE — The Original Knox County Schools Coupon Book will officially kick off its annual campaign on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 1:30 p.m. at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School. This year’s book has 26 new merchants offering savings up to $10,000, including $1,500 in savings in Sevier County. The book is celebrating 26 years and is still just $10.

At the kickoff event, last year’s top-selling student from Brickey-McCloud will be recognized, and representatives from the coupon book’s presenting sponsor, U.S. Cellular, and major sponsors: First Tennessee, Junk Bee Gone, Rusty Wallace Honda, Rusty Wallace Kia and Stanley Steemer, also will be present.

The Original Knox County Schools Coupon Book provides funds to meet school needs identified by parents, teachers and school administrators. The 2014 campaign goal is 160,000 books sold, which will net $1.4 million for classroom needs across the county. Since 1989, more than 3 million coupon books have been sold raising more than $29 million for students in the Knox County Schools.

The 2014 Coupon Book is more convenient and easier to use than ever. This year, the coupons in the book are divided into convenient sections that match user’s needs: Food • Fun • Home • Retail • Services.

The coupon book still costs only $10, and because of continuing efficiencies in producing it, $8 from the sale of each book go to the school where the book is sold.

E-book subscriptions for all Knox County Schools’ libraries are funded by $.13 of the proceeds of each book sold, potentially benefitting every child in the Knox County Schools. Last month, the libraries received $20,000 from the 2013 Knox County Schools Coupon Book. Additionally, schools with greater economic need share $.70 from the sale of each book; the cost of printing is $.63 per book, and $.54 of the book’s cost go to cover administrative and student incentive cost.

Students and schools sell the coupon books during a two-week campaign, Sept. 4-22, 2014. Additional information, including a list of participating merchants, can be found at knoxschools.org.

Published September 4, 2014