At A Gift for Teaching, pencils, paper, and markers aren’t just school supplies. They’re tools for equity, sparks of creativity, and lifelines for thousands of Central Florida students and the passionate educators who support them.
How Your Support Transformed Real Classrooms in Our Community
543,600+ Essential supplies collected for back-to-school
20,219 Shopping visits by public school teachers
$2.3 Million Worth of supplies delivered in bulk to schools
$11.8 Million Total value of resources distributed
The supplies has been impacted my students’ learning process and love for learning.
I genuinely appreciate how your organization [cares] for teachers as well. I have been looking forward every month for the “shopping” as this also helps my mental health and is a break from the challenges of teaching.
– Orange County Public School Teacher
Together, we didn’t just fill shelves — we supplied inspiration.
This impact brings us closer to our vision of a future where every Central Florida student has the tools and experiences to succeed. Here’s how your support turned into action this school year:
Our Free Teacher Supply Stores welcomed 12,483 teacher shopping visits, distributing essential school supplies and classroom resources throughout the entire academic year.
Pencil Boy Programs served thousands more: Pencil Boy Express – The Mobile Free Store attracted 1,702 additional visits and Pencil Boy Curbside fulfilled 2,821 online orders for those farthest from the stores.
New Teacher Launch Box brought free quarterly supply deliveries to 461 select first-year teachers in 129 schools, transforming empty rooms into engaging environments all year.
ArtWorks offered more than $1.1 million worth of creative materials and 8 professional development workshops for art teachers at no cost.
A Gift for Music provided 500 students with tuition-free string music education through after-school programming, Saturday String ensembles, and summer camp.
Every effort above, made possible by generous donors and community partners, helped ensure local students were not limited from their fullest potential because they didn’t have a pencil.
The Average Central Florida Classroom in 2024-2025
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
59%
students arrived without all the necessary supplies for class
WHEN AT HOME
56%
did not have adequate learning supplies to do their school work
BY SECOND SEMESTER
61%
ran out of supplies and were not able to buy replacements
It’s more than just school supplies – the numbers tell a deeper story.
Even in today’s digitally integrated classroom, pencils and paper remain essential. In fact, it’s critical.
Writing, drawing, and solving problems by hand enforces critical thinking skills and learning retention. Tangible tools help children stay engaged, process deeper, and build lifelong skills.
When Students Are Equipped
Their entire school experience can change:
CLASS PREPAREDNESS The ability to actively participate and complete assignments
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Boosting social engagement, confidence levels, and self-esteem
INTEREST IN LEARNING Fostering positive classroom behavior and motivation to succeed
When Teachers Have Supplies
They have capacity for what matters most:
EQUITABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT The ability to create opportunities for all students
FOCUS ON OTHER AREAS OF NEED Supporting student development beyond academics
INCREASED VARIETY/SCOPE OF PROJECTS Meeting individual educational needs in daily class activities
This has much farther-reaching effects than a few isolated students in select classes.
Student success is contagious, so when all students have their supplies and can participate, students feel more secure. This reduces stress for students and instructors, allowing optimal learning. This becomes an attitude of ability, instead of one of need and frustration.
That will lead to better success beyond the classroom.
– Orange County Public School Teacher
You Can Be the Reason a Student Succeeds
Every #2 pencil, notebook, and box of markers starts with someone like you.
Each new school year brings a need for new school supplies. If a classroom doesn’t start the year with the supplies they need to succeed, how will the students succeed for the rest of the school year?
Your automatic recurring gift will make you a generous monthly donor, joining an impactful team of Classroom Heroes that empowers teachers to inspire future leaders today.
