Community rallies to adopt teachers and help fill classroom needs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Teachers across the Knoxville area still have classroom wish lists waiting to be filled, and community members and small businesses are stepping up to help.

The “Adopt a Teacher” effort connects teachers with local businesses and community members who purchase items from their Amazon wish lists.

So far, 78 teachers have been matched with people and businesses willing to help.

The needs vary from classroom to classroom. Wish lists include everything from basic cleaning supplies and snacks to hygiene products, classroom decorations and even musical instruments.

Organizers say the process is simple: Businesses or community members can choose to adopt a teacher and purchase whatever they can from that teacher’s Amazon wish list.

“The small businesses have really shown up to help,” said Shannon, who is helping organize the effort.

One of those businesses is Gus’s Good Times Deli, a Knoxville institution with roots on Cumberland Avenue dating back to 1981.

Gus’s has grown from a small sandwich counter on the UT Strip into a longtime gathering place for generations of Vols fans. The deli is known for its big portions, Gus Dust and its connection to the Knoxville community.

Organizers say there are still teachers in need and are encouraging more businesses and individuals to participate.

Anyone interested in adopting a teacher can reach out through the organizers’ Facebook page or by email. Shannon said the effort is being handled the old-fashioned way, with teacher names and needs tracked using pen and paper.

There is no donation bin or physical drop-off location.

Instead, items purchased from a teacher’s Amazon wish list are shipped directly to the teacher.

People who would rather make a cash donation can also reach out to learn how to contribute.

For businesses looking for a way to make a direct difference in a local classroom, organizers say adopting a teacher can be a simple way to help educators start the school year with some of the supplies they need most.