DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that lets individuals donate to projects at public schools. Teachers request materials and resources for their classrooms and list them on the Website. People make donations towards the requests. When the project is completely funded, the supplies are purchased and shipped to the teacher.
I was introduced to the site a couple of years ago, and since then I try to help fund a project each year (usually during back-to-school time). I don't have to buy school supplies for my boys anymore, but old habits die hard and that's when I think about it!
Last week was donation time. There are many different criteria you can use to pick a project, but I always try to find something the metropolitan area. I searched by school district--which also brings up a list of the schools that have projects. The district I live in didn't have anything posted, so I looked at the districts that did. When I saw there was a project at the elementary school I attended many years ago I knew where my money would be going this year!
A 6th grade teacher was looking for an iPad for language and reading activities for her 27 students and behavior management apps for her use. That's a pricy thing to wish for, but I saw a corporation had kicked in some money and the teacher was halfway there. I added my donation, and in the section where I could include a message I indicated I was a former student of the school.
I was pleasantly surprised the next day to receive an email from the teacher that her project had been completely funded. They were getting their iPad! Ten minutes later I received another email saying that when the teacher told her students that a school alumnus helped their project they couldn't believe it. I always enjoy helping out teachers, but I have to admit that with my connection to the school made this project especially satisfying.
Five years ago today: New Thing #241--Single or Double?
That is cool. I have to admit that I was shocked to hear all the news about what's going on with the school districts up there. Already pathetic budgets being slashed, schools losing their accreditation... Mind blowing.
ReplyDeleteIt is shocking to hear about the school districts' problems. Don't know what the answer is, but I'm pretty sure what they're doing now isn't going to work.
DeleteGood for you Kathy, a worthy and meaningful cause!
ReplyDeleteI love DonorsChoose! We all know that teachers scrape by with very little and always have to kick in their own money for supplies and resources. Thanks for the great reminder of how we can all help!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :-)
DeleteI've never heard of this website before. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteMan! I thought I was the only one who missed the start of school and going to buy all of the fun supplies needed! Nice to know there are more out there. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran my tutoring center I really enjoyed getting a whole year's worth of notebooks, folders, and pens in August and paying for it with the company's money!
DeleteDonorschoose.org is a good organization. I received a camera for my classroom the last year I was teaching. The students were so delighted to receive the package and then write the thank you letters.
ReplyDeleteI WONDERED if you were acquainted with the site; it seemed like a natural fit from what you'd posted back when you taught.
DeleteWow...how very fun to already hear that the item you picked is already funded! I'm sure the class thought it was a lot of fun that you used to go there!
ReplyDeleteI know; how cool is that?! I was one of the first students when the school opened in the mid-60s; I could almost be a grandma to the kids in that class.
DeleteThat's so awesome you were able to donate to the school where you attended a few years back ;-) and the site is a fantastic idea!
ReplyDelete