Apopka resident puts together treats, 'swag bags' for teachers

WEST ORANGE  With back-to-school season on the horizon, an Apopka resident is taking it upon herself to let teachers know that they are appreciated.

Kristen McIlrath, who owns Orlando Birthday Gram, has been working on a side project for a couple of years now — “I Love My SWAG Bag.” The swag bags are essentially goodie bags filled with small gifts, coupons, business cards and other treats meant to brighten up someone’s day.

McIlrath has been working on coordinating and compiling the bags in her spare time and aims to give out at least 100 bags each month. This time around, the bags will be going to day care providers and preschool teachers in Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Maitland, Ocoee, Winter Garden and some surrounding areas.

“I wanted to help small businesses grow, this way we can all help one another,” she said. “This way we’re also bringing some sunshine to someone’s day at the same time, and it’s just something to make them smile.”

McIlrath encourages small businesses to participate by gathering small favors and business cards to help fill the bags. She said many businesses will buy sandwich bags and fill them with a piece of candy, a silk flower, glitter or something fun, along with information about the business, coupons and magnets.

Businesses that would like to participate must provide 100 of such favors or small bags of goodies, as McIlrath will be delivering two sets of 100 swag bags total. Ideas of things to include are restaurant menus, small treats, coupons, discounts and more. Whatever the business, though, it must be family-friendly.

“If you can supply us with 100 small gifts like stated above, we will include and distribute your 100 business bags for free,” she said.

The deadline to submit these items is Monday, Aug. 22. To participate, contact McIlrath on Facebook or call/text between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at (407) 641-2718. For more information, visit facebook.com/IlovemySWAGbag.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].