Three OCPS Students Recognized with Free Shopping Spree Celebration
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. Zyon (3rd Grade), Fendy (8th Grade), and Jahnay (9th Grade) were nominated by their teachers for their hard work and outstanding attitude, despite difficult circumstances and hardships.
“It brings me great joy to celebrate the accomplishments of these three exceptional students,” said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching. “With the unwavering support of our community partners and dedicated volunteers, a total of 16 shopping carts worth more than $15,325, were brimming with supplies and gifts, amplifying the celebration of their achievements and brightening their holiday season.”
A Gift for Teaching’s Free Teacher Supply Store, typically stocked with class and school supplies for eligible Orange County public school teachers, took on a festive twist for a special morning dedicated to these students. Bursting with extra goodies and holiday cheer, the store became a treasure trove for the students during an exhilarating five-minute shopping spree. They filled shopping carts, not just with learning essentials but also with special gifts for their families and friends, creating a joyful and memorable experience.
The fun didn’t stop there as these deserving children were then rewarded with additional surprises by generous event partners: Aeras Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Crayola Experience, Dunkin’, Enterprise Mobility, Icon Park, Rotary Club of Metrowest, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Publix, T.G. Lee Dairy, 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 more hard-working students like Zyon, Fendy, and Jahnay need help to replenish their school supplies. Through A Gift for Teaching, every dollar received through December 31, 2023, will be doubled by matching funders 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, Addition Financial Foundation, Valencia College, Enterprise Mobility, Mary Palmer Family Foundation, and the Henri Landwirth Family Fund.
To make a difference for the entire year, consider joining our monthly giving community of Classroom Heroes. Your giving adds up!
In honor of our 25th birthday, generous funders will be matching new recurring monthly donations for an entire year. With this exclusive opportunity, a commitment to a $25 recurring gift will now go even further and provide six classrooms with access to essential supplies a year.
