AdoptAClassroom.org is a national

nonprofit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

based in Minneapolis, MN that provides funding for school supplies to classrooms and needy families. It was founded in 1998. Current and past corporate partners include Burlington, Quaker, Staples, Farmers Insurance, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Great Clips, Subaru, OfficeMax,

Jones New York Authentic Brands Group LLC (ABG) is an American brand management company headquartered in New York City. Its holdings include various apparel, athletics, and entertainment brands, for which it partners with other companies to license and merchand ...

, StubHub,

Coach Coach may refer to: Guidance/instruction * Coach (sport), a director of athletes' training and activities * Coaching, the practice of guiding an individual through a process ** Acting coach, a teacher who trains performers Transportation * Co ...

, and

Office Depot The ODP Corporation is an American office supply holding company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The company has combined annual sales of approximately $11 billion, and employs about 38,000 associates with businesses in the United States. ...

History

AdoptAClassroom.org was founded in 1998 by Jamie Rosenberg in Miami, FL. In 2011, Bob Thacker was hired as the Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org and the organization moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ann Pifer is the current Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org.

How it works

Any K-12 teachers or schools in the United States can register and share their stories and supply needs online. Donors can search the website to locate specific schools and classrooms that need supplies. Donors can give to a specific teacher/school, search for a teacher/school in their community, or give to a Spotlight Fund. Teachers can spend the funds immediately. Donors receive thank you emails, impact stories, and a list of supplies purchased by their adopted classroom.

Disaster Relief Program

Since 2012, AdoptAClassroom.org's disaster relief program has helped US schools after devastating natural disasters in Paradise, California following massive wildfires (2019); Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria (2018); Texas following Hurricane Harvey (2018); North Carolina and South Carolina following Hurricane Florence (2018); Baton Rouge, Louisiana following flood damage (2016); Moore, Oklahoma after tornado damage (2013); New York, New York following Hurricane Sandy (2012); and more.

Partnership with Sheryl Crow

In February 2016,

Sheryl Crow Sheryl Suzanne Crow (born February 11, 1962) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, pop, country, folk, and blues. She has released eleven studio albums, five compilations and three li ...

became a national spokesperson for AdoptAClassroom.org.

Live Real Change

In 2013, AdoptAClassroom.org was featured in a television documentary titled ''Live Real Change''. The special discussed the lack of funding in classrooms and celebrated teachers. It featured many celebrities including

Justin Bieber Justin Drew Bieber ( ; born March 1, 1994) is a Canadian singer. Bieber is recognized for his genre-melding musicianship and has played an influential role in modern-day popular music. He was discovered by American record executive Scooter ...

Miley Cyrus Miley Ray Cyrus ( ; born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her distinctive raspy voice, her music spans across varied styles and genres, including pop, country, rock, hip hop ...

Pitbull (rapper) Armando Christian Pérez (born January 15, 1981), known professionally by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper and businessman. He began his career in the early 2000s, recording reggaeton, Latin hip hop, and crunk music under a multit ...

, Lady Antebellum, LMFAO, and Matthew Morrison.

Awards

Burlington , Adopt-A-Classroom

* 2018 GOLD Halo Award Winner in Education

OfficeMax , Adopt-A-Classroom

* 2008 Cause Marketing Halo Award ** Best Social Service/Education Campaign * Retail Advertising and Marketing Association Peter Glenn Award

Jones New York in the Classroom , Adopt-A-Classroom

* 2006 Cause Marketing Halo Awards ** Best Social Service/Education Campaign ** Best National/Local Integration * American Apparel and Footwear Association's Excellence in Social Responsibility

References

{{Reflist Charities based in Minnesota Educational charities based in the United States