ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida nonprofit says its annual back-to-school campaign collected more than 741,550 school supplies and raised nearly $500,000 ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
A Gift for Teaching said its “Ready for Back-to-School” campaign brought together businesses, volunteers and donors to support students and teachers in high-need public schools across Orange and Osceola counties.
“Every notebook and backpack tells a student that their education matters — and that their community believes in them,” A Gift for Teaching President Jane Thompson said.
30,000 backpacks packed for local students
The campaign began in June with The Great Big Backpack Build, where 37 teams and more than 550 corporate volunteers packed 30,000 backpacks with school supplies.
The backpacks were distributed to 120 Orange County public schools, along with schools in Osceola County, according to the organization.
A Gift for Teaching said the event was supported by several community partners and included more than $389,000 in donated goods and services.
More than 261,000 supplies collected over summer
The campaign continued with the Supply Drive for Success, which collected more than 261,550 school supplies and raised more than $106,900.
A Gift for Teaching said Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando were among the leading collection drives this year.
The organization also held its first “Big Supply Drop” event for participating partners and received up to $40,000 in matching funds from several foundations.
A Gift for Teaching says more than 70% of the public schools it serves are considered high-need.
The nonprofit said it distributes about $94,680 worth of free educational resources each day during the school year.
Since 1998, A Gift for Teaching says it has distributed more than $200 million in classroom resources, including pencils, books, backpacks, STEM materials, art supplies and hygiene items.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
