Duke Energy grants fill school supply needs.

TheDuke Energy Foundationis providing nearly $200,000 in small grants to schools across South Carolina to help teachers fill any gaps in supplies for returning students as the school year begins.

The effort focuses on schools where 75% or more students qualify for free and reduced lunches in the company's South Carolina service territory.In all, 43 districts including 275 schools are eligible to file for the grants, according to a news release.

"Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair chance at academic success," Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, South Carolina state president for Duke Energy, said in the release. "Unfortunately, we know many students heading back to school this week will not have all of the necessary supplies they will need in their studies. Our hope is these funds will help set these...