Church of the Redeemer in Downtown Sarasota recently surprised 60 public school teachers in Sarasota and Manatee counties with a total of $15,000 in grants for classroom enhancements, which can include anything from cleaning supplies, storage items to keep classrooms neat, seasonal decor, and arts and crafts supplies. Individual educators often must pay for these enhancements out of their own pockets. This is the second year that Redeemer has provided the gifts through its St. Scholastica Program, which is funded by donations from parishioners raised over a period of five weeks. Funding also came from the church’s Mission & Outreach Committee, which awards grants to charitable causes throughout Sarasota, and from the Episcopal Thrift House, which is led by Redeemer volunteers and community members. Redeemer’s Director of Children’s Christian Formation Jacki Boedecker said, “What a privilege to be part of this remarkable outreach! It’s so meaningful to witness the joyful recipients and ecstatic students.” Youth Minister Jackie Overton added, “Teachers pour their hearts and sometimes their own funds into their classrooms, and we’re thankful to be able to honor them!” Teachers who received the $250 grants will also be honored in person at a special service that will take place on April 23 at Church of the Redeemer. Youth Minister Jackie Overton adds, “The church comes to life when we step outside the walls and into our communities. I’m thankful to be part of such a loving congregation, for leadership that supports creative ideas, for the team that read and reread over 100 applications, and for the generosity of those who shared their treasures so we can honor the talents of 60 teachers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.”