By Molly Saunders, Digital Bear
At Build-A-Bear Workshop, we know there are many important causes that our Guests want to support. One of the ways we can help support the causes most important to our Guests is by listening to them in our stores and through our many channels of interaction – email, letters, social media, surveys, etc. Making a difference close to home is very important to us and to our Guests. That’s why we are partnering with DonorsChoose.org for the month of August.
DonorsChoose.org is a website dedicated to teachers and students. It allows donors to find educational causes that are important to them and donate directly to teachers all over the United States. If someone wants to support art in schools, they can find a teacher who needs art supplies for a special project. If someone wants to find a classroom in their local grade school in need of assistance, they can search for specific schools and areas to find a classroom that needs their help right in their own community.
After receiving a thank you gift card from a company where she shopped, Maxine Clark, Chief Executive Bear and Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, went online to the DonorsChoose website and was hooked.
“I knew so many teachers who needed this type of platform to help provide needed supplies for their classrooms,” she said.
Taking a note from the educators it assists, DonorsChoose also encourages teachers and classrooms who receive donations to provide updates to the donors.
“For a busy mom, DonorsChoose makes it super easy to choose a project and then keeps you involved in the progress of the project and the success stories that result [from it],” said Samara Reiter, Manager of Store Opbearations. “When you give to DonorsChoose you’re not just giving to our future, you’re actively choosing to be a part of it.”
“Our Guests are children who benefit from a great education, so our relationship with DonorsChoose is a natural fit for us,” said Maxine Clark. “Many parents, aunts, uncles and family members of our Guests are also teachers, and it helps them, too.”
You can make a donation to DonorsChoose when you check out in our stores or online throughout the month of August. You may also visit DonorsChoose.org to find a project that inspires you.
Have you ever donated to DonorsChoose? Do you know a teacher that should be a part of the DonorsChoose community?
August 19th, 2012 at 10:10 pm
I am a teacher who has donated to Donors Choose and also received materials through Donors Choose. This is an amazIng organization doing amazing things for students and teachers.
August 20th, 2012 at 9:22 am
Hi Laura,
Thank you for sharing your story with us! It’s really wonderful that, as a teacher, you’ve been able to complete the circle by donating to other projects on DonorChoose. Come back and visit us! Hope you have a great new school year!
August 19th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Thank you SO much for supporting teachers through DonorsChoose! Our kindergarten classroom is a magical learning environment thanks to DonorsChoose and generous donors.
August 20th, 2012 at 9:19 am
Hi Mr. Hall,
Thanks for stopping by! We are very proud to support DonorsChoose. Keep up the great work in your classroom!
August 20th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Thank you for supporting teachers through DonorsChoose! My second graders were overwhelmed with the gifts when they returned to school this past week. They stated, “It is just like Christmas!” The excitement was heard throughout the hall. Thanks so much for bringing joy and teaching about giving.
August 22nd, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Hi Misty,
That’s so wonderful to hear! We’re glad we can help our Guests connect with the teachers in their communities. DonorsChoose is truly a unique way to give back! Come back and visit our blog again soon!
November 9th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Molly,
What are the guidelines that projects must meet in order for Build A Bear to fund some of the project costs?
November 13th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Hi Debbie,
DonorsChoose decides how to allocate the funds that Build-A-Bear Workshop donates every year based on various criteria. So, our company makes a large donation to DonorsChoose and using certain criteria DonorsChoose decides which projects and teachers receive what amounts. Hope that helps!