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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Wakefield from Saint Louis, MO is requesting sports & exercise equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Wakefield is requesting

Paddling Toward Equity: Kayaks and Lifejackets for All!

Help me give my students the experience, the joy, and the challenge of kayaking with equipment that fits their needs—new kayaks with higher weight limits and lifejackets in inclusive sizes.

  • $1,534 goal

This project expired on September 1, 2025.

This project expired on September 1, 2025.

My Project

My high school students come from a wonderfully diverse community, and I’m always looking for ways to offer them unique, active, and confidence-building experiences—especially those they might not otherwise have access to. One of the most exciting activities we do is indoor kayaking, right here in our school pool!

However, the kayaks I currently provide are from my personal collection, and unfortunately, many of them cannot safely support the weight of some of my students.

Likewise, our selection of lifejackets does not include enough sizes to fit all students comfortably, creating barriers to full participation.

I’m requesting a set of new kayaks with higher weight limits and a range of larger-sized lifejackets. These upgrades will allow all of my students to safely and confidently take part in indoor kayaking—whether they’re beginners learning paddle strokes or students mastering turns and balance.

Our school serves a majority of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, and this activity is often their first introduction to paddling sports. Indoor kayaking gives them a safe space to build strength, coordination, and resilience, and it fosters a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Your support ensures that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered—both in and out of the water.

Ms. Wakefield Ritenour 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.

Saint Louis, MO View local requests

More than half 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

212 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak • Amazon Business $395.00 3 $1,185.00
Onyx General Purpose Life Vest, Adult Universal (4-Pack),Red - Blue,30-52-Inch Chest, persons over 90-Pounds., universal • Amazon Business $69.99 1 $69.99

Materials cost

$1,254.99

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$18.82

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,303.81

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$230.08

Total project goal

$1,533.89

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

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Wakefield and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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