Marco Delgado, known to his students as “Mr. Marco,” is a first‑time teacher at Grant Elementary in Richmond who is working to build an inclusive, inspiring space for his 30 third‑ to fifth‑grade students, most of whom come from low‑income households.
To achieve this, he’s launched a fundraising project to bring in much‑needed classroom supplies designed to promote academic, creative, and emotional growth. The fundraiser is being done through DonorsChoose.org, which is built specifically to enable teachers to reach out to the public for classroom donations.
Mr. Marco is requesting a range of classroom supplies to build a nurturing and organized learning space, including a Classic Classroom Storage Bin Bundle and magnetic storage boxes to help students manage their materials, along with chair storage pockets that keep notebooks, pencils, and books within reach at their seats. To foster creativity, he plans to add Crayola fine-line markers and construction paper storage, all housed in a mobile 3-tier rolling cart for easy access during group or individual work. He also wants a physical education kit—complete with balls and jump ropes—for movement and team-building activities, as well as calming corner posters to support students’ social-emotional needs. Additionally, Lysol disinfectant wipes are requested to maintain a healthy environment, and organizational tools like a pocket chart organizer and desk caddy will help keep classroom items like calculators, pens, phones, and papers neatly stored and accessible.
Mr. Marco notes that all materials must be fully funded by Oct. 2 before he receives them.
This isn’t the first time this teacher has successfully raised funds to support education at Grant Elementary. As a special education paraprofessional at the school in 2021, he raised funds to expand the school garden he had started with help from his school site administrator.
For more information and to donate to Mr. Marco’s latest endeavor, visit this website.
