Today I turn 38 years old. I’m a man of very few needs and fewer wants, and any of my very close friends and family will tell you that. Sometimes it’s to annoying ends.

Last year was a little different. I decided there is something deeply rewarding for me personally in making sure teachers in high poverty classrooms across the state of Tennessee got the supplies they need to inspire our state’s kids to learn. Poverty is the root cause of why our state is at the bottom of most good lists and the top of most bad lists, and a good education is the solution.

I want you to help me do something. Get out your debit card right now and click one of the three requests from Rutherford County teachers below and give $5, $10, $20 or whatever you can give.

• Classroom in La Vergne ($162): Teacher needs a wireless Eggspert system that allows students to buzz in their answers making classroom learning an exciting and engaging game.
• Classroom in Smyrna ($242): Teacher needs a wireless listening center to expand the number of students who can participate in her class’s audio learning curriculum.
• Classroom in Murfreesboro ($232): Teacher needs a Flip Cam to inspire her children’s creativity through video production.

Over the past year, many people have helped me raise over $1,200 completing over 20 teacher requests throughout the state of Tennessee. The letters and photos I’ve received from teachers and students is awesome, and many of you made that happen. Below are excerpts of letters from Tennessee teachers you helped this year along with pictures of students using the materials you bought. Go read them all, and look at the seeds you’ve planted.

Mr. M:

Wow! What a great Christmas present to my children! We are really excited to receive the books as gifts. The idea of each child having their own book when we read is great! Now your gift can allow each of us to learn about the Democratic process of selecting our President of the U.S. Once again thank you for a great present to all of my sixth graders.

Mrs. H:

I cannot express how truly grateful I am to all of you for your most generous donation. I am sitting here typing this to you and truly feel so blessed that you took time, resources, and interest in this project.

Mrs. P:

I never thought so many people were dedicated to the well-being of the students in a single classroom. The response to this project was quite overwhelming to me and my students found excitement every time I told them a new sponsor gave to our project. The whiteboard I have asked for will make a huge difference to the visual aspects of learning, and I thank you all.