Central Florida Community Turns Generosity into Classroom Impact for 2026-2027 School Year
As another school year begins, thousands more Central Florida students are walking into their classrooms with the confidence and tools they need to succeed, thanks to the generosity of our community.
Through A Gift for Teaching’s Ready for Back-to-School summer initiatives, more than 741,550 school supplies and nearly $500,000 was raised to strengthen local classrooms, support teachers, and remove barriers to learning before the first bell rang.
“Every notebook and backpack tells a student that their education matters—and that their community believes in them,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift for Teaching. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for students today while investing in the future of Central Florida.”
In a region where more than 70% of public schools are considered high-need, community support through A Gift for Teaching helps provide free educational resources that empower teachers and inspire future leaders. The annual Ready for Back-to-School campaign delivered this impact through two signature initiatives this summer:
The Great Big Backpack Build, an annual corporate team-building event in June, kicked off these efforts with 37 teams with the support of Universal Orlando Foundation, The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Duke Energy, The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, and many others. More than 550 volunteers came together at the Orange County Convention Center to assemble 30,000 new backpacks with essential supplies.
These backpacks were distributed to more than 120 public schools in Orange County as well as schools in Osceola County. From venue space to logistical support, $389,000+ worth of in-kind contributions was provided to help maximize financial investments for students.
The Supply Drive for Success, in July and August, further united more community businesses, groups, and individuals to collect supplies and raise critical funds. The Top 5 Collecting Drives of 2026 were Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Versant Media, Carnival Cruises Orlando Hub and UCF Lake Nona Hospital.
Together, more than 261,550 supplies were collected, and $106,900+ was raised to give students a stronger start to the new school year. With the help of matching funds from The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, The Bond Foundation, and The McInerney Jansen Family Foundation, every dollar donated, up to $40,000, worked twice as hard during a limited-time giving opportunity to equip local classrooms with the needed resources.
The impact of Ready for Back-to-School extends far beyond the first day of class.
Throughout the year, A Gift for Teaching distributes more than $94,680 worth of free educational resources daily, helping educators bridge resource gaps and support student success in every classroom. Supporters who want to continue making a difference beyond the back-to-school season are invited to join a dedicated team of monthly donors by becoming a Classroom Hero.
Thank you for choosing to champion educational success across Central Florida through A Gift for Teaching!
