NONPROFITS
The San Marcos-based Teacher Reuse nonprofit has reached a major milestone, distributing more than $1 million worth of free classroom resources to public and charter school teachers across the state.
Teacher Reuse, founded in 2022 by retired educator Shelly O’Donnell and core volunteers, including retired teachers and professionals from diverse backgrounds, was built on a simple idea: connect donated materials with teachers who can use them to engage students and enhance learning. What began in a small shed in San Marcos has grown into a statewide resource, serving educators from over 125 school districts and diverting nearly 30 tons of reusable materials from landfills this school year alone.
Teachers from across Texas—including San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Lubbock and throughout Central Texas—travel to shop at Teacher Reuse, accessing free classroom materials that directly support their students.
By rescuing and redistributing classroom supplies, Teacher Reuse ensures that valuable resources are kept out of the waste stream and placed directly into classrooms where they make an immediate impact.
“Reaching the $1 million mark is a powerful testament to the generosity of our donors and the real need among educators for accessible classroom resources,” said O’Donnell. “When communities support teachers, classrooms thrive.”
The milestone comes as Teacher Reuse prepares for its busiest season— summer Rescue Resources efforts and its July Backto School distribution, when up to 800–1,000 teachers are expected to be served.
With the continued growth of donations and demand, the organization is actively seeking a larger facility to expand access and serve even more teachers across Texas.
Teacher Reuse tracks both financial impact and environmental benefit, demonstrating how community- driven solutions can strengthen classrooms while promoting sustainability through reuse.
