How can I get companies/people to donate art supplies?

Question

I am the teacher of an after school art club at a middle school. It's a public school, so 90% of art supplies comes from my own home and the money comes from my pocket.

I also don't get paid for doing it.

I adore my students, and I would love it if they could get a good art education. Art club is the only one they get in school-- there is no money for actual art classes, which is really sad.

Is there a way I can get places like Jo-ann's or Michaels to donate old art supplies?

What else can I do?

I am in Los Angeles.

Answer 1

You might try looking at the Gifts in Kind (GIK) website and see if your needs coincide with their programs. They are an international organization matching corporate gifts to needy causes. My daughter worked for them about ten years ago and found them to be a reliable and honest charitable organization. If they don't match with your needs maybe you'll get ideas for other needy organizations in your area that do seem to match and you can lead them in GIK's direction, benefiting the community and enriching you a bit, too.

Answer 2

I needed to do that and i went to school in LA, LACES forever...

Call or better to go to the store itself. Ask to see the manager and tell them its for a public school. Get forms from your principle that will allow companies that make donations to receive tax write-offs.
You may be able to promise some advertising. But there's a lot of legal baggage. ask your principle.