Three OCPS Students Recognized With Free Shopping Spree Celebration at A Gift For Teaching
[Orlando, FL] December 16, 2022 – A Gift For Teaching, Central Florida’s primary provider of free school supplies, proudly recognized three local students at their annual Grant a Wish celebration to help spread a little extra holiday cheer this year. Jhon (3rd Grade), Yasmin (8th Grade), and Leslie (11th Grade) were nominated by their teachers for their hard work and outstanding attitude, despite difficult circumstances and hardships.
“We are thrilled to be able to honor these three students for their scholastic accomplishments,” said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift For Teaching. “Today, with the help of our community partners and volunteers, a total of 13 shopping carts were filled to the brim with more than $10,000 worth of supplies and gifts to help make this holiday season a little more joyful for these families.”
A Gift For Teaching’s Free Teacher Supply Store is typically stocked with essential school supplies and classroom materials for eligible Orange County public school teachers, but for one morning it is transformed to include additional goodies and festive cheer, just for these students. Together, the students raced throughout the store for a five-minute shopping spree to fill as many shopping carts as possible, including extra learning supplies and special gifts for their family and friends.
The fun didn’t stop there as these deserving children were then rewarded with additional surprises by generous event partners: Chick-fil-A, Crayola Experience, Enterprise Holdings, Icon Park, Publix, T.G. Lee Dairy, Rotary Club of MetroWest, and Universal Orlando Resort. Because of the community’s support, these families will not have to choose between a new pack of pencils or a special gift this holiday season.
As the second half of the school year approaches, thousands of hard-working students like Jhon, Yasmin, and Leslie need help to replenish their school supplies to continue learning. Through A Gift For Teaching, every dollar received by midnight, December 31, 2022, will be doubled by matching funders, up to $65,000, to provide twice the supplies to continue inspiring confidence and interest in learning for students. Generous matching funders include The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, Kay Hardesty Logan Foundation, Henri Landwirth Family Fund, Mary Palmer Family Foundation, and Valencia College.
To make a difference for the entire year, consider becoming a member of The Honor Roll. With your commitment to an automatic recurring $25 monthly gift, three classrooms a year can have access to essential supplies that empower teachers and inspire future leaders.
