A Gift For Teaching – Helping Students & Teachers In Central Florida

A Gift For Teaching – Helping Students & Teachers In Central Florida

My son and I recently visited A Gift For Teaching (AGFT) to drop off school supply donations.

Their mission: To improve public education by transferring our community’s surplus materials and resources free to teachers for their students in need.

While there, we spent time touring the facility and speaking with the friendly staff.

They are gearing up for back to school (their FREE STORE for teachers reopens on August 7th), so donations are needed more than ever!

 

I was provided with a “report card” which contained facts about the organization and how they help our community, statistics, volunteer opportunities and their most needed products. Before I go into those details, I have to share this with you…

More than half the students in Central Florida can’t afford lunch let alone school supplies. In many cases, devoted teachers spend between $500-$1000 of their own money to buy supplies for students and classrooms.

If that didn’t grasp your attention, then nothing will!

What can YOU do to help? 

There are several ways to help such as:

  • Donating supplies and/or your time!
  • Hosting a group event such as a “School Drop” or Backpack stuffing party where guests bring products/money instead of presents. These events are perfect for corporations, churches and various groups.
  • Have a jeans day, bake sale or other special activity to raise awareness and funds for AGFT.
What type of volunteer opportunities are available for individuals?
  • Greeting and assisting teachers during their shopping trips.
  • Stocking shelves and making displays.
  • Sorting products and unloading trucks.

Group volunteer activities are also available!

AGFT will make it interactive and fun for your group of up to 40 people! My previous company volunteered there and our team spent the day sorting and organizing. It was a wonderful team building activity that warmed our hearts.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer page here.

What types of products are needed?

More than 171,500 students in Central Florida are in need of basic supplies! Currently, the most needed products are:

  • Notebook paper
  • #2 Pencils
  • 24 Crayon Packages
  • Glue Sticks
  • Scissors
  • Erasers
  • Backpacks
  • Rulers
  • Hygiene Items

Now, I have to share some amazing statistics about AGFT. Here is their report card since 1998:

Values of Goods Distributed: $65,280,111.03
Pencils Taken to Classroom: 6,167,274
Books Taken to Classroom: 1,098,908
Teacher Visits: 175,380
Value of Product Distributed Daily: $43,411.29
Value for Each Shopping Visit: $467.43
Volunteer Hours Donated: 415,527
Individual & Corporate Donors: 8,382

AGFT is located at 6501 Magic Way, Bldg. #400C, Orlando, Florida 32809. They can be reached at 407.318.3123. Grab your friends and start planning a supply drive and volunteer your time.

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