Subaru donation helps Dora Erickson teachers avoid out-of-pocket costs

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Wackerli Subaru donated school supplies and vouchers to Dora Erickson Elementary School on Wednesday.

Each teacher received a box of school supplies as well as a $500 voucher for AdoptaClass.org. The voucher will allow teachers to purchase classroom supplies without spending money out of pocket.

"We're so proud to do that," Chad Mahoney, the Love Promise Champion for Wackerli Subaru, said. "I've got a couple of teachers in my family and I know what that challenge is like and what these teachers actually have to go through."

Wackerli Subaru has adopted Dora Erickson Elementary School for nearly five years. They say being able to support teachers helps make classroom life better and can take a huge weight off their shoulders.

"You know, it helps fill some of the gaps that we have and also provides resources for students who might need that extra help at school," Idaho Falls District 91 Superintendent Karla La'Orange said. "We are so incredibly grateful for what Subaru does. It makes the difference for our students and it makes it easier for our teachers to work with our students, too. And it's just a great way to start the year."

The National Center for Education Statistics found around 94% of Idaho teachers spend out of pocket for their classrooms each year, with an average of $400 dollars spent per teacher. According to the National Education Association, between what's provided for classrooms versus students needs, teachers often find themselves filling in the gaps with their own funds.