Gift Cards Used to Fund Schools

The Charlotte-Mecklenberg Public School system, like many in the country, is cutting spending. 

Many not-for-profit groups in the area, though, are doing all they can to make sure that teachers have all the supplies they need to provide students with high quality education.

Local groups are pairing with DonorsChoose.org to provide citizens with $100 gift cards.  The gift cards can be used to purchase supplies that can then be donated to the schools.  DonorsChoose.org posts as many as 400 teachers’ projects that need funding.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation hopes to put $135,000 in gift cards in the hands of local citizens.  Citizens with the cards then visit the DonorsChoose.org site and donate to the project of their choosing.

Carrie Patterson, a teacher, said she had received over $4000 in donations that would fund 18 class projects.  The Knight foundation decided to sponsor the project after another group, Mustaches for Kids Charlotte, spent a month raising funds beforehand.

At times of economic crisis, it is an inspiration to see philanthropic groups stepping in with support where schools fall short.  Congratulations, Knight Foundation.