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
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.

This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Soehl from N Bergen, NJ is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Soehl is requesting

Growing Minds: Help Us Cultivate a Classroom Garden!

Help me give my students the tools to grow their own garden, fostering hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and healthy habits through planting, nurturing, and harvesting.

  • $424 goal

This project expired on July 20, 2025.

This project expired on July 20, 2025.

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

I love my students' curiosity and eagerness to learn, especially when they can engage with hands-on, real-world experiences. They are a diverse group of creative thinkers who thrive when given the opportunity to explore, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. Gardening is a perfect way to channel their energy and curiosity into something meaningful, teaching them responsibility, teamwork, and the science of nature.

The resources I’m requesting, such as gardening tools, seeds, soil, and raised garden beds, will make a tangible difference in their learning.

These materials will allow students to get their hands dirty, literally and figuratively, as they plant, nurture, and observe the growth of their garden. They’ll learn about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and the importance of sustainability while developing patience and problem-solving skills. The tools will also help them take pride in their work, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they watch their garden flourish.

My goals for this project are to inspire a love for nature, teach valuable science concepts, and promote healthy habits by growing fruits and vegetables. I also hope to create a sense of community as students work together to care for their garden and share the harvest with others.

What makes my students special is their resilience and willingness to try new things. Many come from challenging backgrounds, yet they approach every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. This project will not only teach them about gardening but also empower them to see the impact of their efforts, building confidence and a deeper connection to the world around them. Together, we can cultivate not just a garden, but a lifelong love for learning and growth.

Ms. Soehl McKinley Elementary School 10 Grades PreK-2

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.

N Bergen, NJ View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

Never Before Funded 100 students impacted

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. Soehl 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
Frame It All Composite Raised Garden Bed 4 x 4-ft Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $194.67 1 $194.67
Survival Vegetable Seeds Garden Kit Over 16,000 Seeds Non-GMO and Heirloom, Great for Emergency Bugout Survival Gear 35 Varieties Seeds for Planting Vegetables 35 Free Plant Markers Gardeners Basics • Amazon Business $28.95 1 $28.95
84 PCS Garden Tools Set,10pcs Succulent Tools Set Included 6pcs Large Heavy Duty Aluminum Gardening Hand Tools 12.5IN with Garden Tool Bag,Gloves Sprayer etc.Gardening Gifts for Men Women Garden Gifts • Amazon Business $26.99 1 $26.99

Materials cost

$250.61

Vendor shipping charges

$75.31

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.76

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$359.68

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$63.47

Total project goal

$423.15

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":"NJ","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":1,"name":"Early Education"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":424,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":false,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/growing-minds-help-us-cultivate-a-class/9203003/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":100,"isEquityFocusV1":true,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. Soehl","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"778094440","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":0.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"N Bergen","teachersOnPage":[9972366],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":9203003,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":81358,"schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School 10","authorIds":{"9972366":{"owner":"Ms. Soehl","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":0.0,"proposalsOnPage":[9203003],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherHasProfilePhoto":false,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":7,"teacherChallengeId":22471138,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9972366,"schoolCounty":"Hudson","fullyFunded":false,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"NJ","name":"New Jersey"}}