The needlepoint community is helping teachers prepare their classrooms—one wishlist item at a time. Through a project organized by Ali of @aliinstitches, stitchers can support needlepoint teacher wishlists while also entering drawings for donated needlepoint prizes.
Ali is sharing classroom wishlists from teachers and school staff who are also part of the needlepoint community, connecting them with fellow stitchers who would like to lend a hand.
The active wishlists are saved in a highlight at the top of Ali’s Instagram profile. Supporters can browse the lists and purchase a classroom item that fits their budget, with the supplies shipped directly to the educator.
Classroom Supplies With a Stitchy Thank-You
To add a little needlepoint fun to the project, Ali has also organized a raffle for those who participate.
After purchasing an item from one of the classroom wishlists, donors can send Ali a screenshot of their purchase to receive an entry in the raffle. Needlepoint designers, shops, finishers, and other members of the stitching community have contributed an assortment of prizes.
The donated prizes are displayed in a separate highlight on Ali’s profile.
It creates a wonderful circle of support: teachers receive materials for their classrooms, donors have an opportunity to win something stitchy, and needlepoint businesses and designers can contribute through the products and services they know best.
How to Help
Visit @aliinstitches on Instagram and look for the teacher wishlist highlight pinned near the top of the profile.
From there, you can:
- Choose one of the participating teachers or school staff members.
- Purchase an item from their classroom wishlist.
- Send a screenshot of the purchase to Ali for a raffle entry.
Wishlist availability may change as items are purchased and lists are fulfilled, so visit Ali’s profile for the most current information and instructions.
You do not have to clear an entire wishlist or make a large purchase to participate. Choosing one useful classroom item is still a meaningful way to support an educator and the students they serve.
This is exactly the kind of grassroots kindness that makes the needlepoint community so special. The project began with one stitcher creating a way to help, grew with donations from needlepoint businesses and designers, and continues each time someone chooses a gift for a classroom.