Each summer, Deb Perelman, the food blogger behind Smitten Kitchen, invites her readers to join her in a special project – clearing teachers’ classroom wish lists. For many teachers, the start of the school year can be a stressful and overwhelming time, with the pressure of preparing lesson plans, setting up classrooms, and making sure they have all the necessary supplies. But thanks to Deb and her generous readers, teachers across the country are able to start the year off on a positive note.
Deb Perelman started Smitten Kitchen in 2006 as a way to document her cooking adventures in a small New York City kitchen. Over the years, her blog has gained a massive following, with her mouth-watering recipes and witty writing style. But it wasn’t until 2015 that she decided to use her platform for a greater cause – helping teachers.
The idea came to Deb when she received an email from a teacher, thanking her for a recipe that she had shared on her blog. The teacher mentioned that she had a wish list on a popular classroom donation website, but didn’t have high hopes of it being fulfilled. Deb took it upon herself to share the wish list with her readers, and within a few hours, every item on the list had been purchased. This small act of kindness sparked something in Deb, and she decided to make it an annual tradition.
Each summer, Deb reaches out to her readers, asking them to help fulfill the wish lists of teachers in need. She shares the lists on her blog and social media, and within days, they are completely cleared. Last summer, over 100 teachers’ wish lists were fulfilled, totaling over $30,000 in donations.
We had the opportunity to talk with Deb about her annual project and what motivates her to continue it year after year. When asked about the impact of her readers’ generosity, Deb shared, “It’s incredible to see how much of a difference we can make in these teachers’ lives. Many of them have to spend their own money to provide basic supplies for their students, and it’s heartwarming to see the burden lifted off their shoulders.”
But it’s not just the teachers who benefit from this project. Deb’s readers also feel a sense of fulfillment and joy in being able to help out. One reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared, “I’ve been following Deb’s blog for years and have always loved her recipes. But when I saw her post about helping teachers, it really struck a chord with me. I remember how much my own teachers have impacted my life, and I wanted to pay it forward in some way. It’s such a small gesture, but knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life is an amazing feeling.”
Deb also believes that this project goes beyond just fulfilling wish lists. It brings attention to the larger issue of underfunded schools and the struggles that teachers face. She hopes that by sharing these wish lists, people will become more aware of the challenges that teachers and schools face and perhaps be motivated to take action in their own communities.
This year, Deb’s readers have already cleared over 50 wish lists, and the number continues to grow. But Deb’s project doesn’t stop here. She also encourages her readers to support their local schools and teachers in any way they can, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply expressing gratitude.
As we head into a new school year, let’s all take a cue from Deb Perelman and her amazing readers. Let’s show our appreciation for the teachers who work tirelessly to educate and inspire our future generations. Whether it’s through clearing wish lists or finding other ways to support our local schools, every little bit counts. Let’s make this year a little brighter for our teachers and their students.
