The Issue: Teachers Covering Supplies Out-of-Pocket

During the 2009–2010 school year, public school teachers spent more than $1.33 billion out-of-pocket on school supplies and instructional materials, according to an article in the Journal. Individual teachers spent an average of $356 of their own money on resources that included software and paper-based teaching aids, pencils, paper, and arts and crafts supplies. Yet, according the same article, this number is a decline from recent years. The pinch of the recession has affected teachers as much as their schools’ budgets, making it more difficult for children to benefit from imaginative and engaging lessons.<p>

The Campaign: Funding Projects for Schoolchildren

If you donate $10 to this Grassroots campaign, then you will receive a $20 online credit to use on DonorsChoose.org, thanks to matching donations from an anonymous donor. All donations up to $150,000 will be matched. Groupon customers can use their online credit on the DonorsChoose.org website to fund a project of their choice, including a project for schools affected by Hurricane Sandy. Schoolteachers post individual projects on the website, requesting funds for activities and supplies, such as museum field trips, a science-magazine subscription, and a digital camera to produce films.<p>

All donations up to a $150,000 total will be matched by an anonymous donor.<p>

Check out more Groupon Grassroots campaigns here.<p>