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With record inflation, Valley teachers utilize ‘Amazon Wishlists’ to help meet back-to-school needs

Amazon Wishlist Teacher 7-22-22
Posted at 12:37 PM, Jul 22, 2022
and last updated 2022-07-22 21:39:28-04

PHOENIX — "Amazon boxes just started showing up at my door and I was so excited," laughed Deer Valley Special Education Teacher, Erica Pharr.

"It was like Christmas in the middle of July, and my husband was like, ‘Oh my gosh, where did all these Amazon boxes come from? What are you ordering?’ I was like, ‘It's not me!'" she added.

It may seem like Pharr is going on a self-induced shopping spree but multi-colored supplies from strangers arrived at her home all because of a link she shared on social media.

RELATED: Resources for teachers: Wish lists, discounts, and deals

"This is all stuff that actually people have purchased for me via my Amazon Wishlist,” Pharr said.

That Wishlist isn’t frivolous for Pharr and other staff.

“This all ends up coming out of my pocket.” Pharr added, “So many teachers have it and I know I'm not the only one that struggles with back to school.”

"On top of that, I know just that everybody's struggling right now with inflation and everything and how expensive everything is,” Pharr said. “It really means a lot to me when somebody helps contribute to my Wishlist.”

The supplies are going far for Pharr’s Special Education class in the Deer Valley School District.

"It's really difficult for teachers to be able to afford a perfect classroom and getting all the supplies that they want their students to have, especially after the summer,” Pharr said.

When asked why she does this, this is how Pharr responded, “I just have such a big heart for my students. A box of pencils is just so helpful, and it makes us all so happy that other people want to help our classroom to be successful.”

If you would like to check out Erica Pharr's wishlist, click here.