ParkIndy’s Donation Helps Teachers’ Treasures Gear Up for Back-to-School

As Marion County teachers prepare their classrooms for a new school year, many face a tough reality: buying supplies with their own money. Teachers’ Treasures, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing free classroom materials, steps in to lighten that burden. This year, ParkIndy is proud to support their mission with a $5,000 donation, which will help stock shelves with notebooks and paper and hygiene products just in time for back-to-school season.

Founded 25 years ago by an Indianapolis Public Schools principal, Teachers’ Treasures began with a simple mission: to ensure teachers, especially those in schools with high rates of free or reduced lunch, have the supplies they need without reaching into their own pockets. Today, the organization serves nearly 6,000 teachers and partners with 330 school programs, reaching more than 100,000 students every year.

“Teachers are the backbone of our community,” said Margaret Sheehan, executive director of Teachers’ Treasures. “We need them to stay in the classroom for 10, 15, 20 years, and part of that means making sure they aren’t constantly spending their own money on supplies.”

The impact of this work is felt daily by educators across Marion County. “Teachers’ Treasures helps all of the Beech Grove School community,” said Timmy Griffin, a teacher at Beech Grove Schools. “We could not survive without them.” For many teachers, the ability to shop for free supplies relieves financial stress and ensures every student, regardless of background, has what they need to succeed.

For every dollar Teachers’ Treasures receives, the organization provides approximately $15 in classroom resources. Recent donations have covered shipping costs for a 100,000-piece paper shipment, stocked hygiene products and kept shelves full of essentials. “This kind of support helps us meet the ever-growing demand for resources,” Sheehan said. “It’s not just about supplies—it’s about making teachers and students feel supported and ready to succeed.”

The nonprofit operates with a sustainability model, partnering with organizations like Cummins, Eli Lilly, NCAA, and Indiana Sports Corp. to redirect products that might otherwise end up in landfills. As Teachers’ Treasures prepares to open a third location in Washington Township by January 2026, community support is more important than ever.

There is always a need for volunteers, product donations and financial contributions. High-demand items include paper products like notebooks and filler paper, as well as hygiene essentials. “Every person or company that gets involved helps us reach more teachers and, ultimately, more students,” Sheehan said.

ParkIndy is honored to help Teachers’ Treasures prepare for another school year. To join in supporting local teachers through donations, volunteering, or product contributions, please visit www.teacherstreasures.org/support.