Helping teachers help kids since 2000.
Teachers' Treasures was founded in 2000 by a retired school principal, Phyllis Imel, who wished to continue helping the at-risk children in the community succeed in school.
Our Story
The “free store for teachers” opened in a small unused area in the basement of Washington Community School on the near Westside.
A dedicated staff of volunteers began seeking product and financial contributions which could be used to provide teachers with the educational supplies and materials needed by the children in their classrooms. As awareness and interest grew throughout the educational and business communities, so did the need for more room. This need was met by Kroger, who leased a former store at 1800 E. 10th Street to the organization for a nominal fee. In September 2007, Teachers’ Treasures opened a new location almost three times larger than the original space.
$100 MILLION+ in school supplies distributed
6,000+ teachers participate in the program annually
330+ schools are eligible to shop at Teachers’ Treasures each year
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Our Staff & Board of Directors
Our dedicated team champions our mission for Indy’s teachers and kids.
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Our Impact Report
How you’ve made a difference for Indy’s teachers and kids.
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A Transformative Gift
Three year ago, a single phone call secured Teachers’ Treasures future.
Learn more about what we do.
Our Mission
Teachers’ Treasures works to ensure teachers, educators, and students have access to free, vital resources for classroom success.
Our Vision
Educators and students receive the necessary resources to foster quality education, close opportunity gaps, and build stronger communities.
The Need
Every day at public, charter, and parochial schools located throughout Marion County, children of all ages attend class without the most basic supplies they need to get a good education. Dedicated teachers are often willing to pay for these much-needed supplies out of their own pockets to make sure the kids in their classrooms have the necessary tools to learn. On average, teachers spend $800-$1200 a year on school supplies for their students.
Our Answer
Teachers’ Treasures, in partnership with local businesses, charitable foundations, neighborhood organizations and individual contributors, helps fill this need by operating a volunteer-based “Store for Teachers.” Donated educational supplies and other materials are distributed via this unique conduit to teachers for the benefit of their students. We serve teachers from any school (public, private, charter, or parochial) in Marion County and the immediate surrounding school districts with 60% or more of the student population on the free or reduced lunch programs.
Our Values
Teachers' Treasures is the answer for Marion County teachers of students in need.
Your generous support goes directly into the community, uplifting our city’s teachers, kids and their families, setting them up for educational success.