ALABASTER – Meadow View Elementary school received $1,000 worth of school supplies on Thursday, Aug. 22, after winning a social media contest powered by Realty South and Thompson Tractor.

Near the entrance of the school, backpacks, folders, binders, dry erase markers, glue sticks, crayons, markers, Clorox Wipes, towels, Post-it Notes, copy paper, ink cartridges, Composition Books and more were neatly stacked and awaiting eager students.

The social media contest required the public to like, share and comment on Realty South and Thompson Tractor’s Facebook pages. The school with the most comments in their favor won $1,000 in school supplies.

Realty South marketing specialist SK Vaughn said it was Meadow View’s Parent Teacher Organization that won it for the school.

“They tagged other PTO members on the post to help get the word out, so it was really the parents who made this happen for the school,” Vaughn said.

The supplies purchased were requested by the school. Principal Michelle Brakefield said she talked with school counselors to see what items they needed most.

“Our counselors provided a list of commonly requested things from teachers as well as items they often need,” Brakefield said. “The Post-it Notes and highlighters will go to our third grade teachers to use when they are teaching students about book annotation, which will really help their reading comprehension skills.”

Brakefield said the other items will be given to students and teachers as needs arise. This will cut down on out-of-pocket spending by counselors and teachers, and offset costs for parents as well, she said.

Realty South President Richard Grimes said he’s always thrilled when he has a chance to help the schools in the community.

“This is an opportunity for us to give back to the community that we serve,” he said. “Kids should be able to come to school and learn without having to worry about lacking the necessary supplies.”