When my children were in elementary school it was a big deal to find the perfect gift for their teachers. They wanted something that would stand out from the rest of the gifts their classmates were going to give to them. It was easier said then done. It’s not always easy to buy for a teacher when you don’t know what they like or don’t like.
With the economy such as it is many teachers have to dig deep into their pockets just to have basic classroom supplies for their students. Even though a #1 Teacher Mug is a nice thought, many teachers would appreciate classroom supplies so much more.
ClassWish.org is a special website that is set up so teachers and schools can post the supplies that they wish they had for their classrooms. Each teacher (or school) can post the specific supplies with links to where the item/items can be purchased and the cost. If you wish to make a donation by purchasing one of the supplies listed it’s as easy as clicking on the webpage.
Knowing that many people don’t have much money to spare, especially this time of the year, you can also make a partical donation to a classroom. For example, one teacher’s page I came across on ClassWish.org needs these special dice that help children learn about money. They cost $11.00 for one set. If I wanted to I can either donate the full amount so that the teacher can purchase that item, or I can donate a percentage of that amount. If I only had $5.00 to spare I could donate that $5.00 towards that purchase. Someone else might come along and donate the remaining $6, or even a few dollars toward that amount. Once the full amount is reached the teacher is able to purchase that specific supply need.
Here is a better description of how it works from the ClassWish.org website.
– Find your favorite schools and teachers
See teacher and school-wide Wish Lists to see exactly what is needed.
– Contribute
Choose which supplies toward which your prefer to contribute, and add them to your Donation Cart. It’s as easy as shopping online.
– Receipts
Contributions are tax-deductible, and ClassWish’s fiscal sponsor, ImportantGifts, Inc., will email you a receipt.
– Double your impact
Many companies match employee donations, and that can double the funds for your school.
– Notice to teachers
Teachers can request the items you suggest or more urgently needed supplies from ClassWish.
– Delivery
ClassWish purchases the requested supplies and has them shipped straight to the school.
– Transparency
ClassWish.org displays all items it sends to schools.
When you think about it this is a brilliant idea. Instead of purchasing another mug to add to a teacher’s ever growing collection why not donate to classroom supplies instead. Its not only helping that classroom to work more efficiently and children to learn better but its also helping the teacher to provide your child with top quality education. So its a win-win situation all around.
If you are a teacher or head of a PTA/PTO and would like to learn more about this organization, or if you would like to look for teachers in your area, please visit www.ClassWish.org.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I posted this information for the benefit of my site readers.
