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Teachers Turn To Online Donations To Buy School Supplies

By Charlotte Huffman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As students gear up to head back to school, teachers like Jane Quigley are digging into their pockets to make sure their classrooms are stocked with the necessary supplies.

Quigley, who has taught second grade at Cedar Grove Christian Academy in Philadelphia for more than two decades, has seen the amount of money teachers shell out for supplies increase year after year.

"Before it used to be crayons, colored pencils, markers, things that were affordable but now with technology, it is iPads, etc. and the school can only supply so much," she said.

Like an estimated 75 percent of teachers, Quigley sent parents a supply list and while she is thankful for the help from parents, she points out those supplies won't last through the year.

According to a recent study, on average educators spent about $500 dollars out of pocket last year on supplies for their students.

"Fifty here, 50 cents there, it all adds up," said Quigley who estimates she spent closer to $1,000 dollars of her own money last year.

While she seems happy to provide for her students from her own back pocket this year Quigley says she is getting creative.

She started a GoFundMe account.

Quigley is not alone.

In 2010, 135 educators used GoFundMe.com to raise money.

So far this year, 130,000 educators have turned to the crowdfunding site to campaign for donations and offset the increasing cost of supplies.

"It doesn't bother me to have to raise money but I know it would bother some teachers who would be hesitant to ask," she said.

So far Quigley has raised $600 of her $1,000 dollar goal.

Quigley plans to buy at least five iPads with the money in hopes it will make learning more fun for her students and ultimately, keep them engaged.

"I figured if I can raise money for five, then I can buy five myself and then have 10 for my 20 cubs," said Quigley while sitting in her bear themed classroom.

Quigley, otherwise known as "momma bear" says she'll do what it takes to ensure her "cubs" leave second grade with the modern day education they deserve.

 "I love my job, I love my students. On the first day of the new year when I see my class going off with another teacher - that's difficult. My (students) become a part of my family. That's why I'm the 'momma bear' and they're the 'cubs,'" she said.

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