Treasures 4 Teachers: Learning From Tempe's Teacher Resource Center

In February, Gretchen’s House Foundation's volunteer Teacher Resale Committee visited Treasures 4 Teachers—a 501(c)(3) in Tempe, Arizona. Their mission is "to provide free and low cost supplies to educators from the community's reusable resources." This unique approach transforms donated materials, which might otherwise end up in landfills, into essential classroom supplies. It directly enriches local education and promotes sustainability!

Our group had an amazing visit to Tempe and appreciated being able to observe Treasures 4 Teachers’  thrift store operations. We left incredibly energized to begin our project in Ann Arbor. Executive Director Joy Klein at Treasures 4 Teachers shared thoughtful insights and practical solutions that truly inspired every visitor.

As a member-based resource center, Treasures 4 Teachers offers educators access to a wide variety of materials, resources, and training tools that enhance the learning process. By operating on a donation-based model, they ensure even limited resources go a long way—helping educators in Arizona’s Phoenix-Metro area provide truly transformative learning experiences.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joy Klein (Executive Director), Poonam Rathi (Director of Operations & Strategy), Sandy Charles (Volunteer Coordinator), and the entire staff and volunteer team at Treasures 4 Teachers for their warm hospitality and inspiring dedication. Their work underscores the profound impact of community support in shaping a brighter future for our children.

At Gretchen’s House Foundation, our mission is centered on advancing accessible, affordable, and high-quality early childhood education. Our visit to Treasures 4 Teachers, an organization focused on providing free and low-cost supplies to educators, provided a valuable point of reference for our own strategic development. Building on this community spirit, our distinct approach extends to vital initiatives like direct financial support for families, robust teacher development programs, and enhancements to child center environments. We will be creating a resource-rich space in Ann Arbor that supports both direct grant-making and the ongoing needs of teachers.

Your support will not only directly impact classrooms but also help bridge resource gaps and empower educators to make lasting changes. Together, we can turn community generosity into a brighter future for every child and teacher!