A Gift for Teaching, a resource for teachers that allows them to avoid reaching into their own pockets to provide basic supplies for their students, is in the midst of its annual school supply drive now through Aug. 31.
Eligible teachers, or those at eligible schools, receive emails on how to make appointments to “shop” at the location adjacent to the Education Foundation’s office, for essential supplies at no cost, alleviating the financial burden on both teachers and families. This year, in addition to in-person appointments, A Gift For Teaching will assemble pre-packaged supply kits, which include a backpack full of supplies, and other classroom needs, that can be ordered online and will be delivered to their schools thanks to the “Pencil Boy Express” beginning in September.
From notebooks and pencils to art supplies and educational games, the resources provided by A Gift for Teaching are as diverse as the needs of the students they serve. The Education Foundation’s stats show that 76% of Osceola County students are living at or below the poverty level, prompting a need for support that is greater than ever.
Grants, corporate sponsorships and, above all, community support has kept A Gift For Teaching going, and grown it from a small initiative into a powerhouse that’s been able to impact thousands of students and teachers annually. Since starting in the early 2000s, the program has distributed more than $32 million worth of supplies to students and teachers in Osceola County.
Education Foundation Programs Director Kathy Ejnioui has overseen A Gift For Teaching since it started in cramped quarters, and said those who wish to donate cash can help reap a number of benefits. For instance, for every $25 donated for supplies through the Education Foundation’s website (www. FoundationOsceola. org/ SSD) gets donors a ticket for a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize.
“We can get matching grant or other government funds to match what we raise,” Ejnioui said.
Those registered on Walmart’s SparkGood online charitable return system (walmart.com/nonprofits) can round up their store bills to the nearest dollar, with the change donated to A Gift For Teaching. Donors can also help the cause by collecting supplies like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, and other school essentials for donation, or serving as a donation location to collect those supplies. Or, at the very least, spread the word about what A Gift for Teaching is doing for students, and for teachers.
Together, it all ensures that every child has the tools they need to thrive, and teachers can provide them. On Monday, Celebration High School teacher Richard Holley-Byrd made his monthly trip—one he’s made for nearly 20 years working for three different schools—to stock up.
“I never know what’s going to be here, and I pick them up knowing I may be able to find a use for it another time,” he said, as he looked over unique storage boxes. “Many things I know that will be consumed, I’m getting to stock up for the future. Other things I’ll get, knowing they don’t have a use right now, but it may be for someone else at our school.
“But even simple items help. A pen I can give a student may be a dollar, but that’s a dollar they can spend on other essentials. And, I teach freshmen, so I know they have a lot going on in their lives.”
Information provided by the Education Foundation Osceola County was used in this story.
