Then you’ve come to the right place.
I first wrote about the wonderful non-profit organization, DonorsChoose, over five years ago. In fact, it is one of the posts that were part of my initial foray into blogging through a 30-day challenge.
Here is a bit of an excerpt from that post:
Imagine making a donation to a cause that you really believe in, one that you believe will make a difference. Then imagine getting personalized hand-drawn thank you notes like the one above, telling you how awesome you are.
Well, that pretty much describes how the online charity DonorsChoose works. Its mission is to “engage the public in public schools by giving people a simple, accountable, and personal way to address educational inequity. We envision a nation where children in every community have the tools and experiences needed for an excellent education.”
This is accomplished by allowing public school teachers from anywhere in the U.S. to post classroom project requests on the DonorsChoose web site, and then donors can give any amount, from $1 to the full amount requested, to the project that most inspires them.
So why am I writing about them again?
Well, I just got the following email:
Tomorrow, our community will mark 20 years of funding teacher ideas! We know this is the toughest year in recent memory for educators, so we’re celebrating by doing what we do best: helping teachers get the resources they need.
Starting at 7am ET tomorrow, every single project on DonorsChoose will be at least 50% matched. Please join us on the site to honor the persistence and heroism of our teachers. (You can also follow the excitement on social media with the hashtag #DonorsChoose20.)
Thank you, James, for helping us reach this extraordinary milestone. During this difficult national moment, we’re thrilled to come together tomorrow to show teachers we’ve got their backs — no matter what.
Charles Best
Founder & former high school history teacher
P.S. Want to know a little more about how my students and I started DonorsChoose from our classroom? This podcast episode will make you an instant expert.
As soon as I read that, I knew what I would be doing at 7:00 tomorrow morning. (well actually I’ll do my screening at DonorsChoose tonight so that I know which project(s) my wife and I want to help fund.)
And while it is certainly a great feeling to know that you have helped a teacher and his or her students, getting those handwritten thank you notes might feel even better.
#DonorsChoose20
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! Handwritten thank you notes are great and in this day and age not that common anymore. Any kind of handwritten note is rare. I still have cards that my 1st grade students made me when I was a teacher’s aide for a year. They were so sweet.
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yes, I am sure those thank you notes you got were written from the heart…
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A handwritten thank you notes are just as precious as physical birthday cards. I’m old fashion so anything digital don’t seem to touch me the same way.
Very touching post ❤
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Oh but I’m not sure if I can join 😦
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I agree that there is something special about a handwritten note; just the fact that you had to take a little bit extra effort to create it says something.
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yep that’s exactly it. The sentiment behind it is way stronger.
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I hope you let us know what you chose.
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will do!
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Hand written notes are wonderful and there will no doubt be many worthwhile projects to support that will generate many. If I did handwritten notes, I’m afraid they would look a lot like the one in your post.
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there were a lot of projects to go through; looks like we will be helping to fund five; and same here with the handwriting! 🙂
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Well, you know I’m all about supporting education. I’ve contributed to several DonorsChoose projects in the last few years. I tend to support those projects of local teachers, but sometimes I’ll find an ideal project from someone living far away. What a marvelous concept! Thanks for being a supporter, Jim.
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Please share with friends! https://www.donorschoose.org/project/help-us-zoom/5052374/
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it’s a great idea, and we tend to support the Philly schools…
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Loved the title! Would appreciate any shares for my new project! https://www.donorschoose.org/project/help-us-zoom/5052374/
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I wish you the best with your project; I will check it out later today!
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I like this, Jim. A great initiative.
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it is a wonderful idea…
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What a great cause and a wonderful way to remind teachers that we care! Even a small donation can have a great impact. Well shared, Jim!
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it is such a great idea; thanks, Brad!
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I love handwritten thank you’s the very best! and I’ve supported local teachers through this program as well, it’s brilliant, hats off to you! and thank you, on behalf of teachers everywhere
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and when they are written by k-2 children, the thank you notes are even better. thank you for the work that you do and the difference that you are making!
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spot on! you are so welcome
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I was hooked at “Pote Ofises” … a beautiful cause to support, Jim. Than you for the share. I’d like to re-post.
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thanks for reposting, Michael!
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My pleasure, Jim. Great responses, too.
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👍
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thank you!
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What a wonderful initiative, Jim. I love the handwritten notes. x
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the handwritten notes are the best!
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This is awesome!
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it is a great initiative…
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What a wonderful scheme that is, and it’s great that you are supporting it, James. But it’s a sad indictment of governments that it is needed because sufficient funding isn’t made available for education. We have the same problem here – and our Secretary of State for Education is also, like yours, an idiot.
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it is sad that teachers have to not only teach, but be a fundraiser as well. I sure hope there is a whole new administration at the start of the new year…
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It is, and it happens here too. We often hear stories of teachers buying equipment as the school can’t provide it. It would be good for you to have an administration that doesn’t see government as an opportunity to line their pockets, and those of their friends…
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what a breath of fresh air that would be…
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Awesome post! I just checked out some schools here in Jacksonville. I will donate to one of the classrooms. My donation budget has been low this year due to no job. I can spare a bit to help with the education of kids who really need it. Thanks Jim! Never knew about this! 🙂
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it is a great organization; I am sure the teacher in Jacksonville is quite grateful for your contribution!
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I haven’t made my decision yet. I actually spent some time reading. I will be donating to one of these schools close by. 😊
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it’s hard to decide because there are usually so many worthwhile projects to donate to…
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Yes, and my donation budget went way down since I lost my job. I’m being very picky at the moment. 🙂
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I don’t blame you; charity begins at home…
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😊
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Reblogged this on Our Eyes Open and commented:
My friend, Jim Borden has opened my eyes to a charity that can benefit local schools in your area in the United States. I will be donating to one of our schools not far from my home. My kids are grown & my grandkids live in the Tampa area and I could give to a teacher there if I choose. Really cool program! Check it out! Thanks Jim for the information. 🙂
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thanks for the reblog, Lisa!
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You’re welcome. Hope it gets some money to schools around the country.
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that’s the hope!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford.
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thanks, Jonathan!
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They from your kids?
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they are from the kids at a school where we donated some money….
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GOOD DEAL!
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