Date: Saturday May 4, 2024, 9:00am – 1:00pm by appointment only. Registration opens April 1, 2024.

Location: Parkrose Middle School (11800 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220)

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, this fun event is intended to thank and honor local teachers who teach at public schools where 50% or more of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. The celebration will feature gifts and prizes, games and entertainment, food and drink, and stations with supplies to fill your bag. We want teachers to know that their community appreciates them and recognizes their dedication and contributions.

Teachers, Please Join Us!

Teachers at schools where 50% or more of the students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program will be able to schedule an appointment. 500 appointments are available. REGISTER HERE! If you are eligible, you will receive a code to schedule your appointment.

Businesses and Retail Partners, Please Join Us!

Please make a financial contribution or donate gift cards or product in quantities from 1 to 500 that can help hardworking local teachers stock their classrooms (school, office, art supplies, etc.) or “just for you” items to help those teachers feel appreciated (home décor, accessories, food, athletic gear, jewelry, etc.) Please contact us at info@schoolhousesupplies.org.

Volunteers, Please Join Us!

Event crew - Saturday, May 4th 8:30am-12:30pm You will greet teachers, direct traffic, answer questions, engage teachers in the raffle and fun activities, distribute products or food at stations, facilitate games, and contribute to a party atmosphere! Sign up here!

Want to sign up your group? Email us at volunteer@schoolhousesupplies.org.

2024 Thanks a Million! FAQs

Can I bring my kids or a guest? 

Each appointment allows entry to only one person. Kids and guests are not able to attend due to event space capacity. We will host hundreds of teachers and volunteers throughout the day, which limits our capacity to welcome additional guests. 

I’d like to bring another teacher from my school. Can they come with me?

Each appointment allows entry to only one person. Teachers can attend with their own appointment if they are eligible. Teachers can log in to their Free Store for Teachers account to schedule an appointment. If a teacher does not have an account, they can fill out this form to check eligibility (please note, the link to this form opens 4/1). If they are eligible, we will email them an invitation with a unique access code so they can schedule their own appointment. The event is available to teachers at public schools where 50% or more of students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program.

I scheduled an appointment but I can’t remember what time I am supposed to be there.

Search your inbox for an email from info@schoolhousesupplies.org. When you schedule an appointment, Schoolhouse Supplies automatically sends you an email with your appointment time. If you need help, contact us at info@schoolhousesupplies.org.

If I can’t make it, can I give my appointment to someone else?

We certainly hope you can make it! In the unfortunate event that you are not able to attend after you make a reservation, please cancel your reservation by logging into your Free Store for Teachers account. If you have trouble, email us at info@schoolhousesupplies.org. We will offer your spot to a teacher on the waiting list.

Can I change my appointment time?

Yes, you can change your appointment time. Follow these steps:

• Log in to your Free Store for Teachers account and click “Modify Scheduled Visit.”

• Choose another available appointment.

• If you have any trouble, please email us at info@schoolhousesupplies.org.

Must I be present to win a raffle prize?

Yes, you must be present to win. Raffle drawings will be held frequently.  We hope you will stay long enough to collect gifts and supplies and win fabulous raffle prizes! We do not have capacity to store prizes or follow up with teachers after the event. 

If I arrive early, can I get in early?

No, you won’t be able to get in early. Only a certain number of teachers are allowed into the event each reservation time. However, if you are early, chat with your fellow teachers, and be one of the first teachers into the event for your reservation!

If I arrive late, can I still get in?

We encourage you to arrive on time. However, we understand that life happens. We will allow late arrivals entry within the first 30 minutes after your reserved time. (If your reservation is at 9:00am, you have until 9:30 to get checked in.)

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available in the Parkrose Middle School parking lot off NE Shaver Street.

Thanks a Million! 2023

On Saturday May 6th, 2023, our community came together to celebrate local teachers with a huge teacher appreciation celebration called Thanks a Million! Teachers go to incredible lengths for the sake of their students and their remarkable efforts deserve this collective gratitude. Thank you teachers and thank you to the many partners and volunteers who made this event such a big success!

$1.1 million in gifts and school supplies were provided to say thank you to teachers

Each teacher received an average of $2,419 in products & prizes thanks to the generous contributions from the community.