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EL PASO CO. – A community effort is underway to help local school teachers get the supplies they need for the classroom. It’s called “Clear the List” and it’s an initiative led by a local business owner who wants to help educators in the classroom.
Meagan Thomas, an online influencer and owner of Springs Native, is spearheading the effort. Several weeks ago, she spread the word to local teachers and said if they needed classroom supplies, to contact her.
In a statement to News5, Thomas said, “I started the effort a few years ago after seeing different influencers post lists of teachers. My older sister is a teacher, so it’s something that sticks with me. heart. I think teachers work extremely hard and are undervalued.”
Thomas said 25 teachers responded with their list of supplies after spreading the word, and nearly ten companies wanted to help and sponsor a teacher. Laura Anderson, a 4th grade teacher at D49’s Meridian Ranch Elementary, was one of the teachers who reached out.
“I appreciate all the good things she (Meagan) has to share about Colorado Springs and so when she started this initiative, I decided to get involved,” Anderson said. “My list is pretty much cleared. On my list were some hands-on learning toys that would go along with some STEM ideas and some new readers for small groups and literary circles. These are just a few extras, besides- beyond that, to be able to try new things in class. This kind of stuff builds you right away and you are ready to give your all to these children.
Ivywild School, a Colorado Springs company, was one of the companies that decided to help. So far they have sponsored seven teachers.
“It seemed like the perfect opportunity to help out some local teachers, since we’re in an old school and used to supporting teachers in this building,” said Sarah Mishler, chief strategy officer of Blue Star. Group, which oversees Ivywild. School.
In a year that has been difficult for everyone, Mishler says it’s one way to support local educators.
“I think the teachers are really the foundation. We obviously know how tough this year has been, and I can’t even imagine how tough it’s been for the teachers. If we can do just a little bit to reach them,
and help support them, it feels good to share the love,” Mishler said.
“This effort shows how cared for children are in our community,” Anderson added.
During a recent weekend at Ivywild School, the owners and staff decided to donate 5% of their sales to the effort. So far, they have bought around $3,000 worth of school supplies from local teachers.
Some of the requested items range from small items like markers and pens to larger items like furniture and computers. All lists of teachers are different, depending on the level and the subject they teach.
Currently, there are still ten teachers in El Paso County who need your help. If you want to help a teacher, or if you are a company or a person wishing to help, you will be put in touch with the help of Thomas.
Real estate agents, restaurants and food trucks supported the effort. Thomas says she will stop accepting teacher listings on Aug. 25 and stop matching businesses with teachers after Labor Day weekend.
You can find more information here.
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