School supplies do more than just fill a backpack.

They help unlock potential and create a strong start to the school year. This summer, more than 80 businesses, community groups, and supporters joined A Gift for Teaching’s Supply Drive for Success, an initiative of Ready for Back-to-School and turned generosity into meaningful support for thousands of Central Florida students and teachers.

Through this collective effort, more than 261,550 physical school supplies and $106,900+ were raised to help local classrooms start the new school year equipped for success!

This year, supply drive partners were also invited to the first-ever “Big Supply Drop” event. The supply drop-off celebration provided a meaningful way to see impact in action with behind-the-scenes tours, fun music, photo opportunities, and special thank you appearances by Pencil Boy, A Gift for Teaching’s beloved mascot. Community generosity then went even further through a limited-time back-to-school match opportunity, which amplified donations and expanded access to essential classroom resources. Matching funders included The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, The Bond Foundation, and The McInerney Jansen Family Foundation.

A strong start to the school year is important, but continued support is what keeps classrooms moving forward. That’s why A Gift for Teaching remains open throughout the school year. Each day, more than $94,680 in free educational resources is distributed so teachers can focus on teaching, and students can focus on learning.

When Students Have Free Access to Supplies, They Gain So Much More

CLASS ENGAGEMENT
To be prepared and actively participate in assignments

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Boosting confidence levels and self-esteem

INTEREST IN LEARNING
Fostering social engagement and motivation to succeed 

To keep this momentum going for the rest of the school year, become a Classroom Hero today! A monthly gift of $25 helps provide essential supplies to three classrooms a year, ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need through the last day of school. 

We’re grateful to every organization, donor, volunteer, and community partner who joined us in this year’s Supply Drive for Success. The ripple effect of your generosity will be felt in hundreds of classrooms across Central Florida this school year. 

Congratulations to the Top 5 Collecting Supply Drives 

#1 Walt Disney World Resort  

 #2 Universal Orlando  

 #3 Versant Media 

 #4 Carnival Cruises Orlando Hub 

#5 UCF Lake Nona Hospital