As we gathered to commemorate A Gift for Teaching’s 25th birthday at its original store space on Corrine Drive, a wave of nostalgia washed over us.

Since moving in 2004 into our current “Big School House” on Magic Way in Orlando, our first store space has been occupied by Orlando Outfitters. However, a piece of A Gift for Teaching’s legacy remains in their backroom after a quarter-century, serving as a symbolic bridge between our humble beginnings and the present.

Our year-long celebration wasn’t just about the past; it is a reflection of the journey from a grassroots organization to a thriving community pillar making a difference every day – a testament to the enduring spirit of our supporters for the mission.

Now halfway through the 2023-2024 school year, A Gift for Teaching has distributed more than $169.7 MILLION worth of essential supplies since opening on Corrine Drive in 1998. That includes 15.2 million pencils and 2.3 million books for local teachers and their students who need them most!

Just as our presence continues to linger on Corrine Drive, so will the enduring impact of your monthly gifts as a Classroom Hero in Central Florida. Your legacy of generosity and support for education can continue shaping the community for another 25 years and beyond.