Students win Grant a Wish shopping spree

What is a wish? A hope or desire for something that is not easily attainable. Some might wish upon a star. Others might throw a lucky penny into a fountain. At this time of year, many children write their wish list and mail it to the North Pole. This season can be a magical time for wishes to come true. But for more than 65 percent of the students in this county, wishes might not be imaginable, let alone attainable.

For six years, A Gift For Teaching has asked Orange County Public School educators to nominate their deserving students for a chance to win the organization’s “Grant a Wish” shopping spree. Ninety teachers ecstatically responded to the 2016 call. The challenge, of course, grows greater each year as the selection committee reviews the heartfelt stories of so many special children in this community.

Jaida, Stephaun, and Lubens were selected as this year’s “Grant a Wish” winners. These students demonstrate excellence in character, leadership, and academics. They are role models. They rise above the difficult circumstances they face at home. They persevere through hardships, excel in class and are greatly respected by their peers and teachers.

Members of the community gathered at A Gift For Teaching on Dec. 13 to cheer on the three excited winners as they raced through the Free Store for five minutes, filling shopping carts with whatever their hearts desired. In total, the students collected $5,000 worth of school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, books, and even toys, thanks to the generous donations AGFT receives.

Some might relate the experience to the old “Supermarket Sweep” game show, but these shoppers are courteous, polite, and respectful. They take only what they think they need. They shop for their parents, siblings, teachers, and friends, usually not even selecting much for themselves.

After an overwhelming shopping spree, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando surprised the students with special gift baskets, meet and greets with animals, and VIP experiences for their families to enjoy the parks. Other partners, including Tupperware Brands Corporation, Orlando Magic, Cici’s, Publix, The Father’s Table, and Service King Collision Repair Centers, also provided each student with additional gift certificates and baskets.

To some, all of this may seem like too much. But for these admirable students, this may be the only holiday memory they experience, or the first time they have received any gifts in five years, or the only recognition they might ever receive. Watching the eyes of these children light up, hearing the grateful words of thanks and receiving genuine hugs is a true reminder of what this time of year is all about.

‘Tis the season of wishing and giving. When you make a gift to A Gift For Teaching, a child’s wish can come true. These gifts place supplies into the hands of children to enable them to dream, create and experience success in school and life. Just $50 can provide every child in a low income classroom with tools for success. Even better, any gift made to AGFT by Dec. 31 will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of several local foundations. Gifts can be made by visiting agiftforteaching.org/donate or by texting “AGFT” to 243725.

Because of you, wishes do come true.

Marisa Worley is the director of development at A Gift For Teaching. AGFT is Central Florida’s primary provider of free school supplies to teachers for their students in need, enabling them to succeed in school and life. A nonprofit organization that serves 369 public schools in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, AGFT has distributed more than $100 million worth of school supplies – including essential classroom tools such as pencils, notebooks, glue, backpacks, art supplies and books – to local students in need since 1998. Visit agiftforteaching.org to learn more.