It Takes a Village Spotlight: Kim Borges

Behind every classroom we serve is a community of people who make our mission possible. Through our It Takes a Village Spotlight series, we’re celebrating the staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, and supporters who help Teachers’ Treasures equip educators. Get to know the people behind the mission, hear why this work matters to them, and discover the impact they’re making every day. Meet this edition’s featured supporter, Kim Borges, and learn what inspires her passion for our mission and the impact she’s helped make along the way.

How long have you been involved with Teachers’ Treasures?

My involvement began back in 2018 when my employer (Regions Bank) sponsored a Teachers’ Treasures fundraiser. Tom Cebulko, board chair at the time, sent me a handwritten note thanking the bank for our support. His thoughtful gesture meant a lot – so much so that I looked him up to send him a thank you for his note. I’ve been plugged in ever since.

Why did you want to be a part of the Teachers’ Treasures Board?

My parents are retired educators, so education is incredibly important to our family. We also have a lot of family friends who are educators. Having the opportunity to serve with an organization supporting a mission so close to home felt like a perfect fit.

Why should people support Teachers’ Treasures?

Not many people can say what they do for a career changes people’s lives every day, but teachers can. They work incredibly hard – and they want to do more for their students, but budgets can sometimes prevent them from doing so. When I began volunteering, I was surprised to learn the average teacher spends nearly $900 out of their own pocket each year to make sure students have the resources they need. Teachers’ Treasures helps bridge that gap by providing not only the essentials, but also some fun, creative items they can leverage.

Who was your favorite teacher?

I have two. Mrs. Williams was my first-grade teacher. She was wonderful and so kind. She sent me a card when I graduated from high school. Mr. Shepherd was my senior Government teacher. He challenged us to think more and think differently, and he inspired my interest in government affairs. I ended up majoring in Political Science in college.

How have you seen Teachers’ Treasures grow?

We’ve grown exponentially during the past six years! The wonderful generosity of a large, unexpected gift we received in late 2020 was a game-changer allowing us to deepen our existing teaching support and also expand our outreach.

TT has also grown our network with fellow education nonprofits to increase product sharing and distribution. Those relationships, combined with the support of many more donors and volunteers, have empowered us to distribute more than $11 million in essential supplies each year. We’re reaching and serving more teachers than anyone likely ever imagined. I’m sure our founder Phyllis Imel would be incredibly proud.

What has been the most meaningful part of being the Board President and/or your general involvement with TT?

Connecting with so many exceptional people. The first and most important lesson I learned in my now nearly 20-year banking career is that everything is about people and relationships.

Teachers’ Treasures is incredibly fortunate to have dedicated people supporting our mission. That certainly includes the staff. And it also includes our weekly volunteers and our board members, many of whom have served for more than a decade. They are passionate about sharing their time, talents and treasure to make a difference. It’s part of our culture. The thank-you note Tom Cebulko sent me eight years ago created a lasting first impression.