Donations support A Gift for Teaching, Central Florida’s primary provider of free supplies to teachers for their classrooms and students who need them most
As A Gift for Teaching wraps up its 25th birthday celebration, the Orlando community has gifted the organization with an extraordinary new milestone: the overwhelming success of the “Ready for Back-to-School” campaign. Powered by three summer initiatives through the generosity of companies, organizations, and supporters, more than 543,600 physical school supplies and $345,900 have been raised, ensuring students across Central Florida start the school year excited and prepared to learn.
In a region where at least 70% of public schools are considered high-need, back-to-school shopping is a great challenge for thousands of families. Local educators report that over half of their students arrive on the first day without all the necessary supplies, often leading teachers to personally fund the gap. But this summer, the community stepped forward, answering the call to support its educators and future leaders.
“This achievement highlights the incredible power our community can have when we unite for a common cause,” says Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching.
“Together, we are not just meeting immediate needs—we’re creating lasting opportunities that will transform lives and futures.”
The Great Big Backpack Build kicked off the community giveback campaign in June at the Orange County Convention Center. On one morning of impact and inspiration, 34 corporate teams joined forces to build 21,000+ backpacks for brighter futures. More than 400 volunteers helped make this high-energy, high-impact event possible along with nearly $600,000 in donated production services, venue space, and materials. These backpacks made their way to over 140 Orange County public schools, and additional public schools in Osceola County, reaching students with the highest needs before the first day of school.
In July, the Back-to-School Drive brought together more than 80 businesses, groups, and individuals as Central Florida’s largest supply drive. This effort culminated in the collection of 199,600+ supplies and over $24,900 in donations for local students. Through A Gift for Teaching, every dollar received is transformed into $10 worth of essential supplies, greatly amplifying the impact of each contribution. The 2024 Top 5 Overall Supply Drives were Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Holland & Knight, Orlando Health, and Veritas Technologies.
The Back-to-School Telethon concluded the campaign in August to celebrate the bright beginnings of the new school year. Broadcasted live on WKMG News 6, more than $601,680 worth of supplies was raised with a limited-time matching gift opportunity from The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, The Bond Foundation, and Addition Financial. These tools will help teachers create engaging learning environments where every student can grow and thrive.
The mission of A Gift for Teaching doesn’t stop once classes start. Serving as a lifeline for teachers throughout the school year, more than $76,000 worth of educational resources are distributed daily to help bridge the gap between supply needs and student success.
To ensure free school supplies continue to be available into the second half of the year, generous funders will match the recurring donations of new Classroom Heroes, A Gift for Teaching’s community of monthly donors, for an entire year. Through September 30, 2024, a monthly commitment of $25 or more will supply six additional classrooms with essential resources this school year.
