A Gift for Teaching distributed more than $232,600 worth of supplies in one week.

A Gift for Teaching has officially reopened its Free Teacher Supply Store for the 2026–2027 school year! In its first week, store volunteers welcomed 480 Orange County public school teachers who shopped for essential classroom resources without spending a dime as they prepare for the first day of school. 

During reopening week, A Gift for Teaching distributed more than $232,600 worth of educational materials, providing teachers with supplies such as pencils, notebooks, dry erase markers, classroom organization tools, and other resources that will go directly into students’ hands. Universal Orlando volunteers were also in attendance, helping to set the tone of an exciting and epic shopping experience for these local heroes. 

“As educators prepare to welcome students back into their classrooms, we want them to know they have a community standing behind them,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift for Teaching.

“Every item on our shelves represents a community investment in student success and an opportunity to ease the financial burden teachers often carry themselves. Seeing teachers leave with the supplies they need to start the year with confidence is what A Gift for Teaching is all about.” 

While back-to-school season is an exciting time for students, it can also create added financial pressure for families, especially with educators. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in grades K-12 can plan to spend an average of $858 to prepare for the first day of school.

But in Central Florida, where more than 70% of public schools are considered high-need, teachers are often the ones to step in to bridge resource gaps for their students. A recent A Gift for Teaching survey found that 76% of local teachers spend more than $250 of their own money on classroom and student supplies each year, while nearly one-third (31%) spend more than $550 out-of-pocket. 

By providing free classroom supplies through its teacher store, online ordering platform, and mobile unit, A Gift for Teaching helps remove barriers to learning for students in classrooms across Central Florida.

Each teacher shopping visit yields an average of $598 worth of free resources, allowing educators to stretch their budgets and focus on helping students succeed. Click here for information on teacher shopping eligibility. 

A Gift for Teaching is a local nonprofit powered by community support. Through August 11, all donations supporting its annual Supply Drive for Success will be eligible to be matched dollar for dollar. To double your donation and provide twice the supplies for teachers and students, visit www.AGiftForTeaching.org/double today.