Teachers' Treasures was founded in 2000 by a retired school principal, Phyllis Imel, who wished to continue helping the at-risk children in the community succeed in school.
The "free store for teachers" opened in a small unused area in the basement of Washington Community School on the near Westside. A dedicated staff of volunteers began seeking product and financial contributions which could be used to provide teachers with the educational supplies and materials needed by the children in their classrooms. As awareness and interest grew throughout the educational and business communities, so did the need for more room. This need was met by Kroger, who leased a former store at 1800 E. 10th Street to the organization for a nominal fee. In September 2007, Teachers' Treasures opened a new location almost three times larger than the original space. |
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Learn about what we do...
Our MissionTeachers' Treasures obtains and distributes school supplies free to teachers of students in need.
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Our VisionAll eligible teachers have easy access to free school supplies for their students living in poverty.
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The Need
Every day at public, private, charter, and parochial schools located throughout Marion County, children of all ages attend class without the most basic supplies they need to get a good education. Dedicated teachers are often willing to pay for these much needed supplies out of their own pockets to make sure the kids in their classrooms have the necessary tools to learn. On average, teachers spend $800-$1200 a year on school supplies for their students.
Our Answer
Teachers’ Treasures, in partnership with local businesses, charitable foundations, neighborhood organizations and individual contributors, helps fill this need by operating a volunteer-based “Store for Teachers.” Donated educational supplies and other materials are distributed via this unique conduit to teachers for the benefit of their students. We serve teachers from any school (public, private, charter, or parochial) in Marion County and the immediately surrounding school districts with 60% of more of the student population on the free or reduced lunch programs are eligible.
100,000+The number of students impacted by Teachers' Treasures each year.
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$75 MillionThe value of school supplies Teachers' Treasures has given away since opening in 2000.
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