You're on track to get doubled donations (and unlock a reward for the colleague who referred you). Keep up the great work!
Take credit for your charitable giving! Check out your tax receipts

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end?
Purchase account credits now, and choose projects later!

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end? Purchase account credits now, and choose projects later!

For direct assistance with credits or anything else, please call The DonorsChoose Scholar Society at (646) 556-9941.

To use your $50 gift card credits, find a project to fund and we'll automatically apply your credits at checkout. Find a classroom project
Skip to main content

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Your school email address was successfully verified.

See this teacher's page

This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Mari Castro from El Cerrito, CA is requesting art supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Mari Castro is requesting

Crafting Calm: Enhancing Mental Health Through Creativity

Help me give my students mental health by incorporating arts and crafts into our curriculum with the use of a Cricut machine.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Mari Castro's classroom raised $922

This project is fully funded

My Project

My class, Extensive Support Needs, is made up of incredible students who face unique challenges daily. They work hard on both functional daily living skills and academics, showing immense resilience and determination. Many of my students struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem, making it crucial to provide them with opportunities to express themselves creatively and build their confidence.

I am requesting a Cricut machine for our classroom, a versatile tool that will open up a world of creative possibilities.

With the Cricut, students can design and create personalized items such as t-shirts, cards, stickers, and more. This hands-on experience will allow them to see their ideas come to life, giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Arts and crafts have been shown to significantly benefit mental health by promoting relaxation, improving focus, and enhancing self-esteem. The process of creating something tangible helps students channel their energy into positive outlets, reducing stress and providing a sense of calm. The satisfaction of completing a project can boost their confidence, making them feel capable and empowered.

The Cricut machine will not only be a tool for creativity but also a therapeutic resource in our classroom. By incorporating arts and crafts into our daily routine, we will provide a safe space for students to explore their emotions, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of pride in their achievements.

Your support will help create a more nurturing and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive emotionally and academically. With your help, we can make a significant difference in the mental well-being of my students by providing them with the opportunity to engage in creative, therapeutic activities.

Ms. Mari Castro El Cerrito High School Grades 9-12

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

El Cerrito, CA View local requests

More than a third of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

10 students impacted 5donors

Boost your odds

Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.

You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.

Upload a photo

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Mari Castro is requesting.

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Cricut Maker 3 Machine with Vinyl Basics Pack and Weeder Tool Bundle - Beginner Craft Cutting Machine Kit with Materials and Tools, Vinyl in Essential Neutral Colors for DIY Projects and Decorations • Amazon Business $425.69 1 $425.69
Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine (9 in x 9 in), Ideal for T-Shirts, Tote Bags, Pillows, Aprons & More, Precise Temperature Control, Features Insulated Safety Base & Auto-Off, Mint • Amazon Business $168.12 1 $168.12
Cricut Adhesive Cutting Mats - Pkg of 3, Light, Standard, and Strong Grip • Blick Art Materials $32.79 1 $32.79
Cricut - Basic Tool Set - White • Best Buy Education $23.24 1 $23.24
Cricut EasyPress Mat • Blick Art Materials $21.94 1 $21.94

Materials cost

$671.78

Vendor shipping charges

$9.95

Sales tax

$61.47

3rd party payment processing fee

$10.08

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$783.28

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$138.23

Total project goal

$921.51

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$921.51

5 Donors

-$921.51

Donations toward project cost

-$783.28

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$138.23

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

View complete list Show less

Give the most requested basic supplies

See teacher requests

Give back to your community

Find opportunities to impact local needs by exploring a map of classroom projects near you.

See local area

Project Activity

{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"CA","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":4,"name":"High School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/crafting-calm-enhancing-mental-health-t/8680049/","mayHaveReplacements":true,"numStudents":10,"isEquityFocusV1":false,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. Mari Castro","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"1673835631","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"El Cerrito","teachersOnPage":[8173574],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":8680049,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":1,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":4195,"schoolName":"El Cerrito High School","authorIds":{"8173574":{"owner":"Ms. Mari Castro","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[8680049],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8173574_orig.jpg?crop=373,373,x62,y219&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636607100255","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":19,"teacherChallengeId":21847129,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":{"completingDonationAmount":317,"proposalURL":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-with-color/9750837/","matchingFund":{"matchingKey":"26MaxCamp","matchImpactMultiple":2.0,"donorSalutation":"The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation","multipleForDisplay":"2X","ownerRegion":null,"name":"The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation","type":"AUTO_DONATION_MATCH","amount":0.00},"proposalTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life with Color!","proposalId":9750837},"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":8173574,"schoolCounty":"Contra Costa","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"CA","name":"California"}}