In a letter of thanks to our community, Free 2 Teach CEO Alison Kling highlights 12 powerful teacher stories about your impact on their classrooms and students.
Our July numbers are in, and the news is incredible. Your support, love, time and supply donations DOUBLED our impact on teachers and students this month: last year, in July 2024, we gave away $310,430.50 in supplies. In July of this year? $613,885.50
Over the past three weeks, teachers from *every* public school in Limestone and Madison County shopped with us at our free resource center. Your support of this incredible community-wide effort means that 75,000 public school children across five public school districts have access to high quality resources that make a difference: a coloring books when they visit a school nurse; adaptive seating in their reading corner; a brand new box of crayons; a new special chair for the kindergarten hallway; a rocket launch lesson; a new book on their new reading level… the list goes on! Our goal as an organization is to encourage and equip teachers to build joyful classroom communities, all year long, with the vision that every kid has access to an excellent, equitable education, and that teachers are empowered to lead classrooms with joy and care. Thank you for helping us go above and beyond for teachers and kids!
But don’t just take my word for it: read below to learn directly from our teachers about what your support means: kids have what they need, without the stress; classrooms are more joyful; help with the little (big!) things; strategic use of state funds; less stress for teachers; fun surprises at every shop; taking the financial burden off of teachers; maintaining dignity for kids; allowing for engaging projects; relief for families; help beyond the classroom – from clinics to pull-out spaces; and long-term support:
Ensuring every kid has what they need, without the stress, all year long: “Not all of my students have the means to purchase basic supplies for school. As a mom of 4, I cannot purchase supplies for these students. It is hard to learn when students are worried about not having the tools they need for success. By eliminating that stress, Free 2 Teach gives my students opportunities to have supplies that make their educational journey a success.” Erin Colley, 7th Grade, MGMS
Spreading joy, building encouraging classroom communities: “My kids aren’t used to getting anything new. When I return from Free 2 Teach, they love getting all the new supplies. They are always so excited to help me unpack the bags.” Laura Grant, 9-Transition, SPED Self-Contained High School, Columbia High School
Help with all the little things, which are really the big things!: “Just being able to provide those seemingly small things like erasers, tissues, etc. has been a real help. It give students the room to focus on their work.” Kristina Stundtner, K-5 Choir, Heritage Elementary , serving 875 students
Strategic use of state funds: “By providing essential classroom supplies Free 2 Teach allows me to allocate my state stipend toward more specialized resources that directly enhance my students’ learning experience. For example, I have been able to invest in educational tools such as manipulatives for math instruction, high-interest books for my classroom library, and technology accessories to support interactive lessons. It also frees up funds for pricey alternative seating that creates a welcoming learning environment, and individualized resources for students with specific needs. Thanks to the support from Free 2 Teach, I can stretch my budget further and provide my students with unique and impactful learning opportunities.” Sonia Fife, 7th Grade, Collaborative/Special Education, Hampton Cove Middle School
Reduced stress for teachers: “Thank you for helping reduce the stress for me and the students in coming up with their own items. Being able to have it in my room and ready whenever needed has been key to developing relationships in a positive way with students.” Kimberly Langseth, 8th grade Science, Hampton Cover Middle (works with 150 students)
Fun surprises at every shop: “I love when I find kitchen items. We teach life skills and cook often!” Charlotte Phillips, 2-5th grade SPED, Endeavor Elementary
Taking the financial burden off of teachers: “Shopping at Free 2 Teach has kept my own personal money in my bank account for rent and groceries and gas.” Mendy LeVaugh, 5th grade math, Midtown Elementary
Giving supplies through the context of relationship, maintaing agency and dignity for kids: “Free 2 Teach has enabled me to provide my under served student with essentials they would not have access to. I always get a backpack (just in case) and I have been able to provide a continuous flow of backpacks to students as needed and without having to compromise the student’s privacy. Thank you for assisting me with that small, but vital service.” Lakiesha Bean, K-6, Dawson Elementary, 53 students
Joyful classrooms, fun projects: “F2T makes it possible for fun activities that push the boundaries of normal art projects. We were able to use silk floral plants to make our own Fall Centerpiece. This lesson focused on making art “in the round” and applying balance using shapes, colors, and proportions in a working space. Usually we draw or paint a still life in the fall, but this year we were able to be “extra” thanks tot F2T.” Stephanie Burns, Pre-k through 5th grade (Music/Art Room), Madison Elementary School and West Madison (pre-k to 5th), (works with 1,000+ students)
Reduced Stress for kids and families: “I cannot thank you enough for taking so much of the burden of providing school supplies to students off of students and their families in time of need. It makes the students school experience much more positive and meaningful when they don’t have to worry about things like supplies. Their focus can then be on more important essentials at home, like food and clothing.” Brittany Wilson, 3rd Grade, Central School
Helping beyond the classrooms, clinics, pull-out rooms, and more: “Free 2 Teach is amazing because I as a nurse am so very thrilled and thankful that the nurse is a part of free items donated for their jobs- especially the medical items that save us money also because we are all loving, teaching and nurturing the students!!!! Nurses love you and thank you so very much.” Deborah D. Drake, SPED 1 on 1 nurse, Rolling Hills Elementary
Partnering with teachers for the long-term: “I’ve been going to F2T for years and years. Majority of the items in my classroom are from F2T and I wouldn’t have the materials needed to successfully teach students. I’ve been able to enhance student learning and growth because of the materials and supplies from F2T.” Tara Trafton, 3rd Grade, McDonnell Elementary
These stories are powerful, and they are moments and experiences that add up for kids. Thank you for ensuring every kid across 113 has the opportunity to grow and thrive in an environment filled with the joy of learning. Thank you for every item you brought to our store, every binder, every STEM kit you packed, every supply drive, every dollar. Thank you! It adds up for kids and it matters for teachers.
Warmly,
Alison Kling, CEO, Free 2 Teach
