The Igivearod fundraising drive is a grassroots effort to support rural schools across Alaska and other community organizations along the route of the Iditarod Sled Dog Trail Race. Learn more at igivearod.com and on Twitter @igivearod.
I am writing to express my sincere thanks to those who helped our students through Donors Choose. I teach in a high school located in "bush Alaska", where there are no roads leading in or out. Our students are mostly Yupi'k Eskimo. It is a unique and wonderful place, but it is expensive and time-consuming to get supplies here. After seeing a need for snacks in the afternoon to fuel the minds of our students, I started purchasing a lot of snacks with my own money. I decided to apply for funding through
I cannot express just how happy I was when I saw the support from complete strangers for our project. Our project was funded by the "Ugly Dogs" from Basking Ridge, NJ, during the "Igivearod", a grassroots fundraising drive to support rural schools in Alaska in celebration of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
When the boxes arrived, I was so grateful, and the students were amazed that people on the other side of the continent would think of them. So many students were happy to have a snack to get them through the afternoon, and after school activities. The students loved the snacks. And they loved having a choice/variety, from the granola bars to the Goldfish to the chips.
Thank you for caring for our students, the BRHS Warriors. You truly made a difference in not only the comfort and success of the students through an afternoon snack, but also through showing them the kindness of strangers.”
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of new science materials for our classroom. Your contribution will make a tremendous difference in the learning experiences of our students. The new lab kits and resources will not only enhance their understanding of scientific concepts but also inspire curiosity and foster a deeper love for learning. It is truly a gift that will continue to benefit them for years to come.
Your support helps us create a more engaging and interactive environment, where students can experiment, explore, and grow as critical thinkers. On behalf of the entire class, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your kindness and commitment to education. We are incredibly fortunate to have supporters like you who are dedicated to enriching the educational experience for our students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Boone
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and 11 other donors.
Thank you for your support of music in rural Alaska! Though many of the supplies didn't arrive in time to use them for my stated purposes, we are still making use of them. The mallets have been amazing for the drums. In the spring, one student used a much-too-hard mallet to play a little percussion kit as a bordun for the background of his video game music. It was awesome! I can't wait to run the project again later in the school year with more appropriate materials.
Sadly, the stylophone also did not arrive in time for the video game project, but I've pulled it out a few times for my older students to experiment with and enjoy. I'm also looking forward to having it available for the video game project later in the year.
We are already preparing for Christmas caroling again and I am excited to have the pedal for improved accompaniment. The travel case will also provide for simple and safe transport of the keyboard to spread joy all around town!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Samuels
This classroom project was brought to life by LOFT and 7 other donors.
Thank you so much for helping us bring a new PC monitor and essential computer equipment into our classroom! Your support has opened up incredible new opportunities for my students, who are now able to dive into 3D printing, rendering, and other specialized programs we couldn't access with just Chromebooks. We faced challenges slicing and prepping their models for printing, but this setup has made it possible for students to see and refine their designs on a full-sized monitor, turning their ideas into reality. The equipment also allows me to introduce more advanced applications during classroom discussions, expanding what I can teach and engage students with in real-time.
This computer setup has quickly become a hub for creativity and collaboration in our classroom. My students are excited to explore new software, troubleshoot tech challenges, and work on projects together. It's so rewarding to see them build skills and confidence, knowing they have tools that can truly support their ambitions. Your generous gift has not only enhanced their learning but has also elevated the ways I can guide them through these experiences. Thank you for believing in their potential and making a real difference in our classroom!”
We are incredibly grateful for your generosity! The color printer you helped provide has made a significant impact on my students' learning experience. It has transformed the way we approach lessons by allowing us to create vibrant, engaging materials that capture their attention and help them better understand complex concepts.
What's been especially exciting is how much it has fostered creativity among the students. They've been designing their own posters using platforms like Google Drawing and Canva, which we print and proudly display in the classroom. The pride they feel seeing their work come to life in color has been immeasurable. It has boosted their confidence and inspired them to put more effort into their projects.
Additionally, this printer has been instrumental in enhancing group collaboration. Students now work together to create colorful presentations and posters for various subjects. This not only strengthens their teamwork skills but also helps them feel a sense of ownership in their learning environment. The classroom has become a brighter, more dynamic place where their creativity and hard work are celebrated.
Your support has empowered my students, giving them the resources they need to thrive academically and artistically. Seeing their work printed and displayed has provided them with a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their educational journey! God bless you beyond measure!”
Thank you immensely for providing our classroom with the computer hardware needed to build a system capable of handling software for 3D printing, laser cutting, and project rendering in our fab lab class. With this Windows-based setup, students and I have been able to explore a variety of non-Apple software options. We're using Blender for 3D modeling, FreeCAD for technical drawings, and Inkscape for vector designs, all of which offer robust, free alternatives to Apple-exclusive programs. This flexibility has enhanced both our creativity and technical skills, allowing students to experiment with new tools and methods. Your generosity has made a transformative impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the tremendous opportunities it has brought to our learning environment. Thank you once again!”
Reading time has now become everyone's favorite part of the day in our 2nd grade classroom because of our super cozy couch chairs.
Our wobbly stools have added to the fun and comfort of having flexible seating for all. My students love using the wobble stools during small groups, one-on-one assessments, partner reading, etc...
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. My students and I really appreciate it! Generations of students will benefit from your kind gesture for years to come!”
My students have benefited from having the literacy tubs in many ways! The real objects in the tubs are very engaging for my young learners and have increased their interest and length of engagement for alphabet learning. The tubs can easily be used to create learning games for one on one or small-group learning. Students enjoy playing these games. Students also use the literacy tubs independently and in pairs to review the letters they have learned and practice new letter sounds.
Any time I sit down at a table with the literacy tubs, I almost immediately have most of the class surrounding me. I have to pick and choose who will use the learning tubs first. They all want to!
I often use the tubs to play matching sound games, but other games we have used the objects for include "I spy" characteristic discrimination and vocabulary games. The students come up with their own games sometimes as well. No matter how they use the objects, learning is always happening.”
Thank you so much for your donations. My students have been enjoying a pm snack everyday since school has started. They love having a choice of all the different snacks you graciously provided.
Having an afternoon snack not only sustains them through the day, but it also provides a nice brain break. Our afternoons are so much longer than our mornings. This simple snack break helps each student recharge for the rest of their learning for the day.
It is so nice that I do not have to ask parents, who already struggle to provide food for their child, to buy an additional snack to the classroom. I REALLY appreciate your kindness!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sara
This classroom project was brought to life by Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and 6 other donors.
I want to thank this site and the donors that have made this project possible. The students have loved the various seating options within the class. It has been a game changer for creating a space that is welcoming for learners.
Having alternative seating options has been something I've tried to provide in all of my classrooms. This has led to increase student participation and a welcoming environment. Knowing they have some say in the type of seating for the classroom, has really been a motivation for these new tables.
The students have enjoyed rearranging the room to make the best use of the tables and create the most open space within the room.
Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gore
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