Business Details
16 Years
experience
Treasures 4 Teachers | Empowering Educators in Tempe
Treasures 4 Teachers was founded in 2010 with a mission to empower educators, enrich students, and eliminate waste by connecting community donations to classrooms in need. Our organization operates a 20,000-square-foot Resource Center in Tempe, Arizona, offering free and low-cost school supplies to over 5,000 educators annually. Through our innovative On-Wheels program, we deliver essential materials directly to underserved schools across Arizona. Our team combines decades of educational and operational expertise, including our founder Barbara Blalock's pioneering work with Intel and YMCA preschools since 2004.We maintain strict adherence to E-E-A-T principles by documenting all donation sources, providing transparent financial reporting, and maintaining partnerships with major corporations like Intel and Goodrich. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through creative reuse initiatives that divert over 100 tons of materials from landfills annually while supporting Arizona's educational community.
Services
Resource Center
On-Wheels Program
Thrift Store
Donation Programs
Membership Benefits
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We've provided classroom supplies to Arizona educators since 2010
- Our Resource Center offers free and low-cost materials to 5,000+ teachers annually
- We operate Arizona's only mobile school supply delivery program
- Our creative reuse initiatives divert 100+ tons of materials from landfills yearly
- We maintain partnerships with major Arizona corporations for sustainable donations
What people say
Best option for teachers on a budget
Creative materials keep lessons engaging
Membership pays for itself
Supports recycling efforts
Empowers educators
Services
Resource Center
Our 20,000-square-foot Resource Center provides free and low-cost school supplies to Arizona educators. Teachers can access traditional materials like paper and pencils alongside creative reuse items such as egg cartons and fabric samples. The center serves over 5,000 educators annually through membership programs that help reduce classroom supply costs.
On-Wheels Program
This mobile outreach program delivers essential school supplies directly to underserved classrooms across Arizona. Our customized delivery vehicles bring materials to schools lacking transportation resources, ensuring equitable access to educational materials for students in need while reducing teacher out-of-pocket expenses.
Thrift Store
Treasure Box Thrift Store sells secondhand goods to fund our educational programs. The nonprofit store accepts donations of clothing, home goods, and household items, with all proceeds supporting classroom supply distribution. It also serves as a community resource for affordable shopping while promoting sustainability through reuse.
Donation Programs
We accept donations of new and gently used materials through multiple channels including in-person drop-offs, scheduled pickups, and corporate partnerships. Donated items are sorted and distributed to educators or sold in our thrift store, with 100% of proceeds supporting Arizona's classrooms through supply distribution programs.
Membership Benefits
Membership programs provide educators with exclusive access to discounted supplies, professional development resources, and classroom material guidance. Members receive priority delivery service through the On-Wheels program and special pricing on bulk purchases, helping reduce the average $500+ annual out-of-pocket expenses teachers typically spend on classroom materials.
People
Barbara Blalock
Founder & Retired Executive Director
Founded Treasures 4 Teachers in 2010 after recognizing classroom supply needs while working with YMCA preschools. Previously secured donations from Intel and other corporations to support early childhood education programs.
Joy Klein
Executive Director
Leads strategic operations with extensive experience in nonprofit management and educational resource distribution. Oversees daily operations of the 20,000-square-foot Resource Center and mobile outreach programs.
Poonam Rathi
Director of Operations & Strategy
Manages organizational strategy and operational efficiency with a focus on expanding service reach. Implements systems to optimize donation processing and supply distribution to Arizona educators.
Sandy Charles
Volunteer Coordinator
Organizes volunteer programs that engage community members in sorting donations and supporting store operations. Develops opportunities for corporate and group volunteer participation in educational support initiatives.
Chloe Calissi
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Manages public outreach and awareness campaigns to promote educational support programs. Coordinates fundraising events and community engagement initiatives to expand classroom supply access.
Questions
How do I access classroom supplies?
Become a member to access free and discounted supplies at our Tempe Resource Center or through our On-Wheels delivery program.
What donation options are available?
Donate in person during business hours, schedule a pickup for large donations, or partner with our third-party pickup service.
How does the thrift store support education?
All Treasure Box Thrift proceeds fund classroom supply distribution programs for Arizona educators and students.
What areas do you serve?
We serve educators across Arizona including Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson through our mobile delivery program.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities include sorting donations, assisting in the thrift store, or supporting special events like our comedy benefit night.
What makes you unique?
We combine creative reuse initiatives with direct classroom support, offering both traditional and repurposed materials to reduce teacher expenses.
