Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Source for Free School Supplies in Indianapolis
Founded in 2000 by retired school principal Phyllis Imel, Teacher's Treasures has dedicated over two decades to addressing critical educational needs in Marion County. Our mission centers on providing free classroom supplies to teachers serving students in high-need schools, with 60% or more of their students qualifying for free or reduced lunch programs. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, charitable foundations, and individual donors, we have distributed over $100 million in school supplies to 6,000+ teachers annually. Our dual-store model at 1800 E 10th St. and Northwest Middle School locations enables efficient distribution while maintaining strict shopping guidelines that ensure equitable access.With a volunteer-driven operational model and three major annual fundraising events, we combine community engagement with sustainable practices by repurposing materials destined for landfills. Our impact extends beyond material distribution, fostering stronger educational ecosystems through initiatives like the Global Language Library and corporate giving programs that have transformed classroom resources across 330+ schools.
Services
Free Teacher Store
Supply Distribution
Donation Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Corporate Partnerships
Educational Resource Center
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 24+ years of dedicated service to Indianapolis educators since 2000
- Over $100 million in school supplies distributed to 6,000+ teachers annually
- Partnerships with local businesses and 330+ schools across Marion County
- Sustainable model repurposing materials destined for landfills
- Three major annual fundraising events supporting classroom needs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)3
Services
Free Teacher Store
Our free teacher stores provide essential classroom materials to educators serving students in need. Teachers from eligible schools can shop monthly for core supplies without financial burden. This service directly addresses the $800-$1,200 annual out-of-pocket expenses teachers typically spend on classroom resources.
Donation Programs
We accept new and gently used school supplies, books, and furniture through our donation programs. Businesses and individuals contribute materials that would otherwise go to waste, creating sustainable solutions for classroom supply gaps while supporting environmental responsibility.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play critical roles in store operations, event execution, and supply distribution. Our volunteer-driven model enables efficient service delivery while fostering community connections between educators, businesses, and residents through shared educational goals.
Corporate Partnerships
Local businesses support our mission through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and employee engagement programs. These partnerships expand our resource network and create meaningful opportunities for corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on education.
Annual Fundraising Events
Three signature events - Dream Big gala, Circle City Donut Dash 5K, and Gr8 Paper Push - generate critical funds and awareness. These community-building activities engage diverse participants while directly supporting classroom needs across Marion County schools.
Questions
Who is eligible to receive supplies?
Teachers from Marion County schools with 60%+ free/reduced lunch populations can register for monthly shopping appointments at either location.
What types of donations do you accept?
We accept new and gently used school supplies, books, furniture, and educational materials through scheduled donations at our main location.
How can businesses get involved?
Businesses can participate through financial contributions, in-kind donations, employee volunteer programs, or sponsorship of our annual events.
What impact have you made?
Since 2000, we've distributed over $100 million in supplies to 6,000+ teachers annually, with each shopping trip averaging $600 in classroom resources.
How are shopping appointments scheduled?
Registered teachers can schedule 30-minute shopping appointments through our online system during designated hours at either Indianapolis location.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We repurpose materials destined for landfills, transforming them into classroom resources while reducing environmental waste through our supply distribution model.
