A Gift For Teaching store reopens

Teachers stock up on school supplies

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Gift For Teaching store opened Tuesday morning in Orange County, and provided free supplies to more than 200 teachers. 

The store primarily serves teachers at high-needs schools, at which at least 60 percent of the students qualify for free lunches.  A Gift For Teaching also operates satellite stores in Seminole and Osceola counties.

It's estimated that the average teacher spends about $1,000 annually on school supplies.  

Fifth-grade teacher Jerry Reedy has been visiting A Gift For Teaching monthly since 2005.  He stocks up on basics like pencils, paper and backpacks.  He also likes that the store offers more than traditional supplies.

"They always have underwear and socks for the kids who have accidents during school, so it's very very nice," he said.

A Gift For Teaching President Jane Thompson estimates the store will provide more than $120,000 in items to teachers on Tuesday alone.

"Most teachers feel compelled to spend their own money, and we all know teachers aren't the highest paid professionals.  It's like if we had to buy our own computers, paper and pen to go to work everyday," she said.

For every $1 donated, A Gift For Teaching can provide $10 of supplies to classrooms.

To learn more on how you can help, visit agiftforteaching.org.


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