Teachers at Pullman Elementary School Receive $1000 in Walmart Gift Cards


Teachers at George M. Pullman Elementary School, 11311 S. Forestville Ave., were surprised Monday morning with $1000 in gift cards and an array of school supplies, courtesy of Walmart.

Teachers on hand for the event said that Walmart's gift was very much needed and appreciated because often times they find themselves spending their own money throughout the entire school year, for students who need supplies.

“We really needed these supplies,” said 8th grade teacher, Renee Williams. “It helps cut my out-of-pocket spending.”

Williams said Chicago Public Schools provides teachers with $250 every school year to purchase supplies. However they say that money runs out quickly because 50 percent of their students are not able to purchase the necessary school materials.

Johnny Barksdale teaches preschoolers and said paper towels and wipes, glue, crayons are the kinds of supplies her students need the most.

“I appreciate the supplies from Walmart,” Barksdale said. “I’m really good at finding bargains and free stuff and when I find something, I share with the other teachers where to get them.”

Both Barksdale and Williams said they spend out-of-pocket on school supplies because they’d rather buy supplies themselves so that there’s no instructional interruption for students who need supplies.

“Our teachers do a lot in helping the kids and helping the community,” said Pullman School principal, Julius Lawson as he addressed the teachers, students and others who gathered for the Walmart gift presentation. “Anything we receive is extremely helpful.”

Chicago Board of Education member, Jesse Ruiz, was also on hand for the event and joined Lawson and the students for a morning, yoga, and dance exercise.

“Everybody has a stake in the school and the community and Walmart is stepping up in a tangible way,” Ruiz said adding that he grew up in Pullman. “We have the support of all kinds of partners. The resources are never enough and so it’s great when our partners can step up to help students achieve their personal potential. These are all our kids and this is my neighborhood.”

Pullman Walmart Store Manager, Darryl Bowles, was also on hand for the presentation and said, “These teachers are truly shaping the future of the students.”

Additionally, Walmart for the first time is offering teachers across the country, 10 percent savings on classroom supplies, after finding data that shows 53 percent of teachers received less in school supply funding last year.

Teachers, who shop at Walmart stores during Teacher Appreciation Week, July 25-31, are eligible to receive a Walmart eGift Card for 10 percent back on nearly 15,000 products from pencils and glue to classroom décor.

“On average, teachers around the country spend about $1000 readying their classrooms, and half of that comes from reaching into their own wallets to make sure students have what they need,” said Steve Bratspies, executive vice president, general merchandise for Walmart U.S. “We’ve had a commitment to support teachers in the communities we serve for many years. This program is one more way we’re helping lessen the cost, increase support and set teachers up for success.

This back-to-school season, Walmart will also host Fill the Bus events, a series of school drives at Walmart’s more than 4,000 stores.

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