My Nonprofit Reviews

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.