Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Thank you!!!

Just wanted to say thanks to those of you who have already contributed towards the classroom supplies!! I'm so excited to be able to impact these kids' lives in a positive way, and I'll be sure to acknowledge your contributions so that the kids and these teachers know that there are people out there that really care! :)

I'll be taking my first shopping trip in the next few days, and I'll post updates of the progress as it happens. Thanks again :)

Monday, September 10, 2007

Update!

I really enjoy participating in the Adopt-a-Classroom program. It's the start of a new school year and I am in the process of putting together two packages for two different teachers, both in South Dakota.

I have emailed them asking what specifically they may need - and I would like to give you the opportunity to donate whatever you wish so that I may purchase as many things as possible. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the purchase of the necessary items. I will post updates on the progress of this effort and I hope to send out the finished packages on October 1st.

The first teacher, Rochelle in Castlewood, SD, writes:
I have 24 first graders this year so they are keeping me hopping. Thank you for your willingness to help our classroom. Some items in need are good wooden pencils, Crayola - 24 crayons, any small gifts to be used for reading incentives. I usually give out nice bookmarks, books, colored pencils, puzzle books, etc. Anything that you can help with will be greatly appreciated.

The second teacher, Clara in Kyle, SD, writes:
My most immediate items would be: pencils, markers, dry eraser markers, class pencil sharpener, tablets, masking tape, scotch tape, resource math books for 1st grade. Thanks for helping, I really appreciate your help.
Clara



If you would like to send donations/items directly to these teachers, please email me for their contact information!

Thank you!!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Help for teachers

I have the utmost respect for teachers. I always felt that when a teacher is dedicated and excited about their work, it makes learning so much more fun. And I know that there are a lot of teachers out there whose budgets are limited, the school budgets are being cut every year, and they are limited in what they can offer their students.

I have recently started working with Adopt-A-Classroom, a nonprofit organization that enables individuals and businesses to make contributions directly to a classroom teacher. The organization passes 100% of the donation to the teachers in need. Teachers use the funds to purchase critical resources and materials that enable them to transform their classrooms into vibrant centers for learning.

I would like to encourage everyone to contribute to this organization. If you're a teacher, I encourage you to sign up with Adopt-a-Classroom and ask for help!

I have been in touch with two of the teachers that I have contributed to, and so far the response has been great. One of the teachers, Clara, works in a school in Kyle, South Dakota, in one of the poorest counties in the U.S. She has expressed that most of the children in her class come from low-income families and they are having trouble obtaining jackets and gloves for the winter, let alone school supplies. She listed school supplies as her greatest need right now. If you would like to donate to this particular classroom, click here: Clara's Adopt-A-Classroom homepage - you can also mail supplies directly to the school at the address provided.

There are also schools in need in Mississippi and Louisiana that have been devastated by hurricane Katrina and are still recovering. Or perhaps you can find one of your teachers that has made an impact on your life, and now you can make an impact on theirs.