Behind every classroom A Gift for Teaching supports is a volunteer who showed up, gave their time, and made a difference. In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week this year, we’re proud to spotlight a few of the incredible individuals who help bring our mission to life.

So far in the 2025-2026 school year, more than 7,400 hours of service have been donated to our mission and each volunteer hour equates to an estimated national value* of $34.79. This means our hardworking group and individual volunteers have contributed an incredible value of $257,446+ in volunteer help to stretch our resources further for local teachers and students.

Our community programs simply wouldn’t be possible without this incredible level of support. To every volunteer, from groups to individuals and our dedicated Board of Directors, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your time and dedication make a lasting impact on teachers, students, and classrooms across our community.

Group Volunteer Leader: Travis with TopGolf

  • Total group hours volunteered: 150+ hours
  • Why do you love volunteering with us? My wife is a Kindergarten teacher and she speaks so highly of what you all do. It means a lot that we’re able to contribute to this essential cause.
  • What our staff says: Travis reaches out on a regular basis to check on our needs. The volunteers who come work hard and have fun. In some cases, they come right before or after a work shift and the long days doesn’t stop them. – Ken, Sr. Manager of Ops. & Partnerships

Packing Shift Lead Volunteer: Patricia

  • Total hours volunteered: 88 hours
  • What has been your favorite volunteer moment with us? When someone from a group that I am working with says that they want to come back.
  • What our staff says: Patty, we are incredibly thankful for the thoughtfulness and care you put into making every shift you lead feel welcoming and meaningful for everyone involved. Your preparation and attention to detail create an experience where volunteers can focus on connecting, contributing, and making a real impact.  – Amanda, Program Manager

Free Teacher Supply Store Volunteer: Jack

  • Total hours volunteered: 708 hours
  • Fun fact about you: I enjoyed traveling and have been to 31 islands and 23 countries.
  • What our staff says: Nearly every Tuesday for the last 10 years Jack and Betsy assisted in restocking our store. Music lovers with excellent taste in the classics, they always made sure we had great tunes to keep our morning shift fun and exciting. – Teege, Store Manager
*In loving memory of Jack, whose generous spirit continues to inspire our work every day.

Event Volunteer: John

  • Total hours volunteered: 24 hours + endless video editing time
  • What’s a fun fact about you? Running around taking photos keeps me young.
  • What our staff says: Ever since we expanded The Great Big Backpack Build at the Orange County Convention Center, John has been all in to help capture and share the energy of the event through video and storytelling. Each summer he thinks of new and fun ways to step it up, from drone footage to 360 degree views and even recruiting his children to assist in documenting the local impact being made. – Denise, Director of Marketing

Board of Directors

  • Pictured: Executive Leadership Committee
  • What our staff says: Because of our Board of Directors, teachers walk into our Free Teacher Supply Store with confidence and leave with the tools they need to inspire their students. From The Great Big Backpack Build and Supply Drive for Success to thousands of teacher visits each year, they help make it all possible. Their impact is seen every single day in classrooms across Central Florida, in the smiles of students and in the support teachers feel. Together, we’re building brighter futures – one classroom at a time. – Jane, President

*Source: Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland