Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to shop at AGFT?
Full-time teachers and staff at public schools where 60% or more of the students are on the free/reduced lunch program are eligible to shop once a month at AGFT's Free Store including:
- Media specialists
- General education teachers such as P.E., Music and Art teachers
- Guidance counselors
- Nurses
- Principals
- Vice Principals
- Assistant Principals
- Deans
At this time, custodians and administrative support staff such as administrative assistants and paraprofessionals are not eligible to shop.
What if a school is not eligible to shop monthly?
AGFT offers the School Representative Program for full-time instructional teachers at schools that do not meet the 60% free/reduced lunch criteria. Full-time instructional teachers may also participate in the Volunteer-to-Shop Program by volunteering three hours in the Free Store in return for a shopping trip.
Can home schools and private schools participate in the program?
At this time, the program is only open to full-time teachers at public schools.
Can businesses claim a tax benefit when they donate?
In most cases, a business can claim the donation of product as a charitable donation, but each group should rely on the advice of their tax advisors.
How is A Gift For Teaching funded?
AGFT is an independently operated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization solely funded through the community, including corporations, foundations and individuals.
Are there any items that A Gift For Teaching does not take?
Yes. AGFT can only accept items that will fit easily in the back of a teacher's car. We are also unable to accept computers, technology equipment and appliances. If you have a question regarding a specific item, please contact Dan.
Does A Gift For Teaching provide a pick up service for donations?
AGFT is the recent (and happy) recipient of a new box truck which allows us more flexibility to pick up donations. Please view our pick-up policy or contact Dan.
What is the average value of merchandise received from one shopping trip?
Most teachers receive approximately $500 worth of supplies each time they visit AGFT's Free Store.
What are shopping hours for teachers?
Shopping hours vary between the school year and summer months. Please check our shopping hours for more information.
Shouldn't the government be providing school supplies in the classrooms?
Unfortunately, the government is not providing enough and most teachers spend their own money on supplies, so AGFT tries to make up the difference. AGFT also is able to provide the means for transferring nontraditional items into classrooms that would never be part of a school budget. Items like t-shirts, games, hats, storage containers, decorations and maps are diverted from landfills, "recycled" and then used effectively in the classroom.
Are there any other programs like A Gift For Teaching around the country?
Yes. AGFT is part of the Kids in Need Foundation, a national network of Teacher Free Stores. As one of two largest Free Stores in the nation, AGFT is one of the network's leaders in idea and product sharing.