A Gift for Teaching Inc

This was an amazing and fun experience. We volunteered as a group from work. The experience was gratifying.

Love how this program helps the teachers, schools, classrooms and students in my community. I've volunteered a couple of times over the years and it's amazing to see what a gift for teaching does behind the scenes to make it all come to life. Keep up the phenomenal work, it's very much appreciated ������

I had a great experience volunteering with the organization. It truly is amazing to see how much they do to support our local children.

A few members of our team came out to volunteer at a Gift for Teaching. They were very organized and had us assist with stuffing boxes for shipments going out to various schools. This is a great cause, and it felt fulling helping out teachers with less resources who are guiding the children in our community. I definitely recommend supporting this great nonprofit.

I believe strongly in supporting educators and learners in every way possible. A Gift for Teaching is a great vehicle to achieve this goal. Every time I volunteer, the AGFT staff are always very organized and supportive. They respect volunteer's time and make sure we start on time, use every minute wisely and leave on time. They always inform us of our direct impact on the community.

Our team had a great time volunteering with A Gift for Teaching! The leaders were very clear in their instructions and gave us all of the tools we needed to succeed at our tasks. They made us feel welcomed and appreciated.

This was an amazing experience! Staff (especially Ken) was kind and professional, gave clear instructions and was ready and willing to answer questions for whatever came up. I also now have a great understanding of the mission of this organization and would definitely return for another volunteer shift in the future.

It was awesome to be a part of the opening day for the Fall! So many deserving teachers being able to pick up things to enrich their classrooms and students' experience! The staff was welcoming and helpful whenever we had someone with questions- they were always there to get them answers quickly!

This was an amazing experience. Well organized and the staff was amazing! Our organization will be volunteering again. We are also looking for other ways to support this great cause!

We had an amazing experience volunteering as a group with this organization. Their mission is truly inspiring and we were honored to be a part of helping schools in need within Orange and Osceola counties. It was truly eye opening to discover how many students lack basic supplies for a their school year. As part of our own mission, we will happily support and volunteer with them again as responsible citizens in our communities.

Amazing place to contribute, well organized, clean, very good directions provided to do your tasks.

Highly recommended!!!!

Really a great cause with an incredible leadership team to partner with! I volunteered with a work group but will look to bring my daughters to join me when I return. Safe environment and a great learning experience for our kids!

Had such a great experience volunteering in A Gift for Teaching's warehouse! My company works with the organization annually, but this was my first time participating. It was beautiful to see how much effort such a small team puts into making the lives of teachers a little bit easier -- and what a big impact they make! I especially appreciated the thorough introduction to the organization and what they do, how they do it and the WHY that drives them. I will be coming back later this year to volunteer again!

I began teaching in 2005 after I retired from the Air Force and immediately fell in love with A Gift for Teaching. The availability of classroom supplies like pencils, paper, rulers, markers, colored pencils, scissors, and glue helped me keep from paying for these items myself. I knew teaching at a Title 1 school would mean more money coming out of my pocket, but the availability of supplies from "A Gift" as we call it in our school has eased the burden. The additional contributions A Gift receives from local theme parks and other contributors also allows me to stock my "treasure chest" with goodies the kids love to earn. Highly recommended.

Without A Gift for Teaching, I would not have enough paper and pencils for my students as a teacher. I am so thankful for this organization, they also provide things I need around the classroom and other items to help make my teaching more impactful in class. Thank you AGFT!

As an educator with over 15 years experience, A Gift For Teaching Inc, has been a blessing to myself and my classroom. Being able to provide my classroom with basic supplies without having to dig in to my pockets each month is a life saver. When students have they supplies they need, they feel more confident, which in turn produces positive academic outcomes.
I love to see the smile on my students face when I return from AGFT. They cannot wait to see all the goodies I have in my bags. Its like Christmas every month.

Thank you so much

I am currently finishing my 30th year of teaching and it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I really learned what AGFT was about. I was struggling to supply my classroom with simple things such as paper, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers and the life. Another colleague of mine who lived near AGFT told me about it and I "signed up" and went. When I first started, we could only go 3 times per year at my school, now we are able to go monthly. My students are so relieved when I can get them the supplies they need. Teaching high school most of my students have younger siblings that their parents take care of first. There have even been times that a student comes up to me and asks me if I have items for their younger siblings and of course, if I have the items, I hand them over. It is amazing how businesses in this area make sure that the schools, who nurture the future that affects them, receive items they need. I have received so much help I have become part of their Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) this year, AND I am a vocal representative at my school to 1] shop each month in store, online, or at the Express (bus), 2] organizer of supply drives within our school for teachers who are not able to go or just need extra things, and 3] Thank you card writing! There is so much love that AGFT brings schools so that we can share the love out to our students and families! - Thank you AGFT!

AGFT has helped ensure my students have everything they need. My students have received backpacks, pencils, paper, and other supplies because of AGFT. I'm extremely thankful this organization exists!

This is a wonderful, very organized nonprofit - A Gift for Teaching does very tangible and great things for teachers in our area, especially new teachers who are launching into their career and need a little extra support. Ken was our program director for A Gift For Teaching when I went to volunteer and he made it such a welcoming and fun place to give my time. Will definitely be back and a wonderful experience!

Second time volunteering at A Gift for Teaching. Fun atmosphere and great staff. Did inventory of school supplies and packaged boxes for teachers.

It was a very enriching and rewarding experience. I really felt like I was doing my bit to help children in need.

Our group really enjoyed this volunteer opportunity. This is a great opportunity to help students and teachers in our community. The store and warehouse are really nicely organized. We look forward to helping out again in the near future.

As a company, we volunteered at AGFT and it was great. Ken was super organized, passionate and overall we had a great time. We will definitely be back to volunteer in the future! Thanks for all you do!

What an amazing organization! Teachers work so hard, and help shape the generation for the future. So thankful this organization exists and works hard to support our teachers who need it most! This is our 3rd year volunteering, we love it and look forward to it every year!

A Gift for teaching is the best place available to teachers around. I learned about AGFT my first-year teaching and have gone every year since (11 years now). AGFT is not only a reason why my students are successful but a reason I, as a teacher am successful. When students have the supplies they need they don't have to worry and when my students have the supplies they need they can learn! I have always taught in title one, underprivileged schools and giving them NEW materials lights up their faces. AGFT is always trying to find ways to help the teachers and make it more accessible to them. The store itself is a gem as all of the workers truly have a good heart and are very invested in making it a great experience- you can tell they really care! I, as well as many others are very thankful for a place like A Gift For Teaching!

AGFT Orlando always helps meet the needs of our students by providing supplies to those in need.

A Gift for Teaching is amazing!!! They truly have a heart for teachers and students. Because of them was able to assist our feeder elementary school with a Valentine's Day Love for Reading surprise. We gave over 20 students each a backpack full of school supplies and students got to choose at least 2 books each as well.The students were so excited and appreciative. These students needed additional resources and because of the generosity of A Gift for Teaching, we were able to put smiles on those kiddos' faces. That would not have been possible without A Gift for Teaching. Shopping is so much easier now as well with their app. It has streamlined the process and I am in and out faster as well. I just LOVE A GIFT FOR TEACHING!!! THEY ROCK!!!

Gift for Teaching is a wonderful organization. As a safe coordinator, I wouldn’t know what to do if I couldn’t go shopping for free to pick up school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and much more to help my students to have a successful school year. The volunteers and staff at Gift for Teaching are always friendly and have a smile on their faces.

Has many supplies teachers need without them having to spend more of their own money for them.

I have shopped at A Gift For Teaching every month since they have been open for 25 years. While it saves me a lot of money, it gives more than that. My students have the basic supplies they need so they can focus on learning and not have to worry that they don't have a pencil, notebook, etc. The books they receive help to build up their home libraries. My students are more confident learners and readers thank to A Gift For Teaching!

I have been volunteering for A Gift For Teaching for years. My wife and our extended family work or have worked in the school system so we understand the value of what school supplies mean to teachers and students. The staff are always welcoming and the projects you work on have a direct impact. This is a great place for students and adults of all ages to spend some time volunteering.

Great place to volunteer! Organized and efficient organization serving a much needed purpose. Teachers are invaluable and need all the support we can offer!

Universal Creative loves A Gift for Teaching, anything we can do to help our local teachers brings us joy. Ken and his team at A Gift for Teaching Inc make it feel like you've been part of the team for a long time.

10/12/22 - Universal Creative Finance - Team Building.
It is always very rewarding knowing we as a team are not only helping the Teachers and Students, we are helping our community and that makes a difference.

What a wonderful organization providing support for our Central Florida teachers & students. So many students would be at a disadvantage from the start without the support provided by A Gift for Teaching. This organization is vital to our community. If you can - support them with your time, donations & funds.

It is so wonderful to have this supply store. I am able to give children supplies on the spot and that puts them in a place ready and prepared to learn. Very thankful for this store.

This is my favorite non-profit to volunteer with. The staff (particularly Ken and Sarah), they are amazing to work with, so knowledgeable and you can feel their passion for what they do everyday.

Every volunteer experience is always fun, fulfilling and very rewarding. Thank you for all you do for our educators and our community. You are a vital piece to the success of our Florida Public School System.

Have a blessed day,
Colleen Laird
Director, Youth Sales

I have been shopping with A Gift for Teaching from the beginning. I have always worked at low income schools and the supplies provided from AGFT and the community have made a difference. From being able to supply my students with something as simple as a pencil or a piece of paper to being able to make a goody bag filled with supplies for a new teacher, A Gift for Teaching has been a blessing and has helped this teacher and all the people I connect with make the basics of teaching a little easier. "When you save one, you save the world."

It is a joy to volunteer with A Gift for Teaching! ✨ The staff is organized, friendly, and accommodating. I always feel appreciated and special when I volunteer with them.

Had a great time volunteering at Gift For Teaching Inc , was great working along side other volunteers, and also learn some things about this nonprofit that I did not know , everyone their was very nice as well .

Amazing group of people working together to solve a real problem. There's nothing better. Keep up the amazing work.

Angela is a gem! She makes us feel so welcome when Orlando Telesales comes over to
volunteer. The organization and clarity of purpose is very impressive for sure. The best part of our experience is the letter from a local teacher that Angela reads at the end of our volunteer work…..most recent one was a real tear-jerker and certainly makes the volunteers feel like they truly make a difference. We'll be back soon!!

Thank you so much to donors, workers, and volunteers who make this program possible! This month, I was able to provide much-needed clean masks and hygiene items to my students, and thanks to the Pencil Boy Curbside "blind box," I was even able to put together backpacks full of supplies for a few elementary siblings of my high school students! We at Jones High School really appreciate all you do for us and our students! Can't wait to see what's in store for November!!!

Gift for teaching is the best because it helped me afford what I needed so I can be the best I could be for my kids.

For years, Publix has had the privilege to partner with A Gift For Teaching. Ensuring that our students and teachers in Central Florida have the necessary tools in order to have success in the classroom is a mission that we are proud to support.

A Gift For Teaching is a fantastic nonprofit right here in Orlando. We've had the opportunity to volunteer with this organization, as well as hear from teachers and students who directly benefit from this program. This is an essential service we simply cannot live without in Central Florida. A Gift For Teaching offers teachers the ability to help students, and gives students a more equal start to the school year. We should all have the chance to succeed, and A Gift For Teaching is making that happen for thousands of Central Floridians each year.

It felt amazing to shop in A Gift for Teaching. It definitely fulfilled a need for supplies in my classroom!

A Gift For Teaching is AMAZING. I couldn’t do my job without the supplies I receive from them monthly.

I am grateful for this program. It allows me to help my students get the supplies they need such as arts supplies, toiletries, and decorating materials to make my classroom a happy place for them. :)

I am extremely thankful for A Gift for Teaching (AGFT)! As a teacher at a Title 1 school (low income) I spend hundreds of dollars of my own money purchasing supplies and items for my students. AGFT helps take the financial burden of making those purchases off me. I am able to "shop" at the store once a month and pick up general classroom supplies, incentive items and personal items that are vital to the students at my school. I would not be able to provide all of the items for my students without the help for AGFT especially during COVID. Since the pandemic I have had to purchase masks, cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items to ensure my classroom is clean, disinfected and safe for the health of my students and myself. I would not be able to do this without the assistance of AGFT!

This organization does great work and it operates at a high level of efficiency with donated dollars! Serves so many schools, teachers, students, families in Orange and Osceola Counties.....

Four years ago, I retired from Orange County Public schools after working over three decades as a school psychologist and administrator. I became familiar with A Gift For Teaching during their grassroots foundation and beginning outreach to our district. As the organization grew I saw school after school benefit from the classroom supplies, books, art tools and even clothing provided to teachers for our students in need. The school district expanded beyond expectation and significant challenges of providing necessary classroom tools for each child emerged. However, A Gift For Teaching remained a steadfast partner to continue providing much more than basic supplies to our classrooms and diligently worked to address these needs. The staff at A Gift For Teaching have developed relationships and connections with school personnel at every level. They not only listen to teacher needs with open ears but also with open hearts.

The world of public education today is complex and it is easy to lose sight of the importance of meeting the basic needs of a child in a classroom. I have watched children enter schools on the first day of school with a plastic bag filled with broken crayons and pencils and seen their look of shame as classmates enter with newly purchased supplies. I have also seen those same children smile brightly with pride as teachers present them with a beautiful backpacks filled with lovely new supplies provided by A Gift For Teaching. Students' lives can be changed one backpack, one box of crayons and even one pencil at a time. The staff at A Gift For Teaching know this and work tirelessly to keep providing support to our teachers and students.

Since retiring, I have been privileged to volunteer with A Gift For Teaching and have seen their creativity and dedication as they pivot in their delivery model but not in their dedication to provide ongoing excellent services, I sincerely hope that you will recognize this wonderful organization and the its selfless staff members.

A Gift for Teaching is a nonprofit organization that works diligently to support public school teachers and their students. They do this by supplying teachers with more than just the basics for the classroom. The staff and volunteers supply many of the extras that teachers normally spend their own money on to make the classroom an inviting, comfortable, friendly and productive atmosphere for students. The store often supplies more than basic needs for students , more than just writing utensils, paper, notebooks, rulers, backpacks, etc. It also frequently has clothing for teachers to acquire for students in need and other basic life necessities. In addition, we have supplies that help teachers to do special arts and activities with their students, making school a fun place as well as an educational one. For the past 3 years I have worked in the store and at various locations around Orange County. In that time I have had the opportunity to speak with teachers and to hear the stories of how much the store and Pencil Boy have meant to them and to their students. A Gift for Teaching relies heavily on material and financial donations and volunteer support from the community. Many people who volunteer with their company or community group return to volunteer as individuals because the work is so rewarding! Every member of the staff is dedicated to serving the teaching community and the students to the best of their ability with smiles and cheerful attitudes. Teachers who come into the store always feel that they are welcome and know that everyone at the store is there to help in anyway possible.
Many things have changed with the advent of Covid-19 restrictions. Prior to the pandemic, teachers had 3 ways in which they could shop for items: in the store, on-line or at the Pencil Boy Truck in various locations around the county. However, this year, all of that has changed. shopping is restricted to on-line only at the moment. Teachers can go on-line and select items they need from a list of approximately 50. The lists are then printed and teams of volunteers pack them into bags and boxes. The teachers are notified when the items are ready for pick-up. When they arrive at the store, the items are brought to the car for curbside pick-up. The system seems to be working well and the teachers with whom the volunteers have spoken have been very pleased and excited that this option is available to them.
As a retired teacher of 42 years, I know how awesome and heart-warming it is to have such strong community support. Teachers often feel under-rated and under-valued. The staff and volunteers at A Gift for Teaching work very hard to let teachers know that the opposite is true!!!!
Thank you for this opportunity.

AGFT does an excellent job serving the students and teachers in and around Central Florida who need supplies. The organization provides these supplies at no cost to students and teachers in areas of need, so the students, their families and their teachers have one less worry. AGFT has been able to do this with an extremely cost effective model so donors know their money is being spent efficiently to assist these folks. Having supplies in hand, the success of these students in achieving educational goals is within their grasp, and we can watch them move forward to achieve great things!

Gift For Teaching is a great non-profit organization. I have been volunteering with them for more than 2 years. Each week I get to see first hand how much this organization helps our teachers. Every time we hand off boxes and bags of supplies to the teachers they always tell us how much this means to them and their students and they can’t thank us enough. When I first stated volunteering I was happy to see that it wasn’t just about getting teachers basic school supplies. It was also about hygiene and clothes and other necessities to help the students. All the volunteers here work as a team with the same goal; to help make life a little easier for the teachers. My friends and family in other states are impressed and jealous that their areas don’t have this. One friend in New Hampshire is looking in his township to see if they can emulate Gift For Teaching. A true compliment and testament to the work being done here.

I started volunteering with A Gift for Teaching as part of my employer's community outreach initiatives. What I did not realize when I joined the volunteer team for a one time event was that I would fall in love with the mission of this organization. Since that one time event with my employer, I've returned to A Gift for Teaching dozens of times to work with them as an individual.

This team is dedicated to reaching teachers wherever they are in order to help deliver the best, most equitable opportunities to help them and their students success. I have watched this organization fearlessly navigate the challenges of a global pandemic in an effort to make sure that as counties, parents, students, and communities ask more and more of our teachers, they never once forget that they are endlessly supported by A Gift for Teaching.

As a volunteer, I have always felt welcome and supported in my roles with A Gift for Teaching. I've always been able to watch first hand as the team works to best serve the community through online shopping and contactless delivery initiatives. I've never once questioned the impact I was having due to the transparency and communication--not only from the A Gift for Teaching Team, but also from our teachers in response to services and supplies provided.

It's been amazing to have the opportunity to be on the front lines of educator support and knowing that I am personally impacting, through my time with A Gift for Teaching, the ability of teachers and students across central Florida, and specifically in my home community of Orange County Public Schools, to have equitable access to success.

I work in student admissions with a local university and it’s such an amazing feeling to know students in our backyard have every chance to succeed in school. When we receive applications from local K-12 students, I know that every student had the tools available to get them to the point of applying for college. A Gift For Teaching sets sights high for all Central Florida students and nothing stops them from dreaming big.

I come from a family of teachers, and I know how hard they work to ensure their students have what they need to learn and achieve, including spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of their own pockets if necessary. For many low-income students, a good teacher is their lifeline. I was drawn to the mission of A Gift for Teaching more than 19 years ago and currently serving on the Board of Directors. It is a beautifully simple concept: collecting surplus items from individuals and businesses and distributing them to area teachers to help their students in need. Local teachers are able to “shop” for free for essential supplies like books, backpacks, paper, crayons and even new socks and underwear. As a result of COVID-19 and its economic impact on families throughout our community, the need is greater than ever before. And the amazing team at A Gift for Teaching continues to creatively, efficiently and effectively adjust its operations to bridge the gap. In fact, more than 95% of all financial contributions go directly toward supporting the more than 200,000 students they serve, and they are able to transform every dollar donated into $10 worth of school supplies that can be used to learn, dream, explore and succeed. It is an unparalleled return on investment in the future of our youth and our community.

Debbie Muse, APR
Communications Consultant

As immediate past Board Chair of AGFT, member of the board for over 7 years and a contributing partner to the organization for almost 20 years, I'm proud to share that AGFT's mission, operational excellence and success through community outreach and giving is every bit as exceptional as it seems to be. As a community partner for a number of years, I simply loved their dual mission of helping children and teachers in need while advancing sustainability initiatives that prevented waste from entering landfills by identifying creative uses for used, unused, unloved items to be repurposed into learning tools that teachers could share with their students. It was a pretty simple and humble mission to get behind, and I clearly saw how we could help.

Moving years ahead to joining the board, I quickly came to realize, through the professionally run board meetings and the thoughtful, deliberate and detailed board packages outlining operations, expenses, campaigns, initiatives, etc., that this was far more than a well-meaning organization...this team of staff and board members were every bit as dedicated and passionate about exceeding the goals and expectations they set for themselves as any startup would be - there was an enthusiasm and passion about every new initiative, every metric exceeded, every new partner. It was truly inspiring to see.

When you understand how few full time employees and how many volunteers that are engaged to make all of this work, you really begin to respect just how much effort and hard work goes into making AGFT successful in accomplishing it's mission. And when you think about just how much work it really is, you see clearly that it can only be accomplished by people with a heart and selfless drive for giving and helping others. Together they operate at an astounding +-96% efficiency rating, which means that 96% of all donated funds and the value of goods donated is provided to teachers and students, with just +-4% going to the overhead operations of the company.

Fast forward to my time as Board Chair…what stands out to me was how much help I had in that role. The very deliberate mentoring of the board chair by the immediate past board chair and the consistent communication and thoughtful scheduling done by the donor relations, community engagement, marketing and operations and finance teams allowed me to easily work events into my professional schedule. It was at this stage, too, that I really witnessed just how well respected (envied even) AGFT is in the community. The best known, well run and respected organizations in our community and around the country recognize the exceptional success of AGFT in serving those most in need in our communities and they know that their contributions will get to the people who need it the most.

About those who need it the most…#2 pencils. That is the most requested supply from teachers that their students need, but do not have with them when they start the school year/day. #2 pencils. When something so base is the top need, you know the need is so much greater, and therefore the opportunity to serve is that much more important and challenging. No one reading this needs to have their heartstrings tugged, you already know the powerful impact these gifts for learning have on children…it is profound, and the effect is far more than a ripple in a pond.

To accomplish their goals, year over year, AFGT has a core mission promise to innovate and seek to get ahead of the needs of the community. These innovative and evolving programs include: A Gift For Music (providing musical instruments, lessons, access to instructors, concerts and experiences), Pencil Boy Express (a mobile delivery service that holds teacher shop days at schools outside a 3 mile radius of the Free Store), Pencil Boy Online (online ordering service for deliveries across the school district) and GB3 (The Great Big Backpack Build, our yearly fundraising/supply campaign that builds tens of thousands of backpacks stuffed with requested supplies and delivers to schools across the network for distribution to kids at the start of the school year).

A Gift for Teaching and A Gift for Music are life changing organizations for the children who are the future of our communities. If you’re looking for an organization to support in Central Florida, or one that is a national leading example in the Kids In Need Foundation network, teaching and mentoring other community programs around the country, please consider AGFT as your partner. Thank you.

Jim Hair
Partner | Office President
Little

As a long-time Central Florida resident, I’ve seen our community grow significantly. Unfortunately, this includes an ever-growing number of students in need of school supplies, clothing, and even the occasional reward item or toy. I can’t imagine learning to do math without a pencil and eraser. Or how to read without books at home. I am proud to be a board member and long-time supporter of A Gift For Teaching (AGFT). This organization is committed to supporting both public school teachers and their students. Nothing is more important to our future!

Now, more than ever, the needs of our community are acute and growing. To meet this need, AGFT has demonstrated great flexibility to “pivot” from free store for teacher shopping to free store for curbside pickup! Central Florida teachers and students need our support now more than ever before. Providing the capability for teachers to order what they need on-line and then pick-up curbside is a great example of how AGFT innovates to fulfill their mission.

AGFT has also demonstrated an amazing ability to operate efficiently, keeping operating expenses at or below 5% of income over the last 20 years. Most for-profit companies would love to be this capable! AGFT is able to leverage every dollar donated into $10 of school supplies. This leverage enables AGFT to magnify the impact of all gifts in a very unique and productive way.

The need has never been greater. AGFT has adapted their operations to server our community. I hope you will join me in supporting Central Florida teachers and students in need when it matter most – now.

Jordan Lomas
SVP, Information Technology
Darden Restaurants

As the Chairman of the Board for A Gift for Teaching, I have seen first-hand what the needs are of our community for school supplies. Over 200,000 students in Orange County are at poverty level and get free lunch. These are the neediest youth as they are less likely to have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom. A Gift for Teaching provides teachers and students the school supplies they need to give all these students an equal opportunity to excel in school.

With today's pandemic environment, it becomes even more challenging to ensure that these needy youth get school supplies as now they need to have these supplies at school and at home with the blended learning approach to education today. A Gift for Teaching is doing a great job to distribute these school supplies and ensure they don't skip a beat!

I'm so proud of what A Gift for Teaching does to change lives in our community and build the confidence of our students. Join me in continuing to invest in the future workforce of our community.

Lillian Garcia
Retired CHRO, Tupperware Brands and
Chair of Board, A Gift for Teaching