The Opportunity Trust is funding $10,200 in classroom requests at St. Louis-area schools this holiday season through DonorsChoose, a non-profit online platform that allows individuals to pay for classroom needs.
Rather than throw a holiday party for staff, The Opportunity Trust gave each team member and fellow $700 to spend through DonorsChoose on requests from teachers. The gifts helped fund 20 projects at 15 schools and will enhance classrooms with new libraries, more comfortable furniture, reading nooks, tumbling equipment, calculators, science equipment, an art room makeover, and more.
“When we set out to plan our holiday party, we took a look at the budget and asked if there was a more purposeful way to spend our time, money, and energy,” said Eric Scroggins, founder and CEO of The Opportunity Trust. “We agreed that helping teachers get supplies and materials they need was a better way to celebrate the holidays.”
The donations will benefit classrooms by fully or partially funding projects in the following schools:
- Atlas Elementary School, St. Louis – engineering kits, classroom library, phonics material, musical instruments
- Barbara Jordan Elementary School, The School District of University City – online math access, snacks, science books
- Bel-Nor School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – musical instruments
- City Garden Montessori School, St. Louis – classroom libraries, science equipment
- Columbia Elementary School, St. Louis Public Schools – art supplies
- Kairos Academy, St. Louis – calculators
- KIPP Inspire Academy, St. Louis – sensory room, classroom library
- KIPP St. Louis High School, St. Louis – art room makeover, journaling materials
- KIPP Triumph Academy, St. Louis – tumbling equipment
- KIPP Victory Academy, St. Louis – musical instruments
- KIPP Wonder Academy, St. Louis – writing supplies
- Lucas Crossing Elementary School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – bean bags and other comfortable seats
- Monroe Elementary School, St. Louis Public Schools – headphones
- Normandy High School, Normandy Schools Collaborative – science equipment
- Southside Early Childhood Center, St. Louis – sanitation products
