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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Patterson from Jacksonville, FL is requesting sports & exercise equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Patterson is requesting

Sweat, Smile, Soar: Empowering Minds and Bodies Through Movement!

Help me give my students the best strength-training equipment ever, to help them!

  • $2,032 goal

This project expired on October 22, 2025.

This project expired on October 22, 2025.

My Project

My heart swells with pride for our amazing middle school PE students. Their infectious energy, boundless curiosity, and inspiring determination remind me daily of their incredible potential, not just as athletes, but as kind, resilient, thoughtful young people. Seeing them light up as they master new skills or push past perceived limits is pure joy. This unwavering commitment to their growth drives our mission to empower them. Every student deserves every opportunity to thrive, and we constantly seek innovative ways to foster their holistic development, creating an environment where they feel supported and celebrated every step of the way.

This year, with your support, we're thrilled to introduce dumbbells, weight plates, barbells, and other essential weight equipment into our PE program.

This is a game-changer for their physical and mental well-being. Imagine the confidence they'll gain building strength and learning proper form. It's more than muscles; it's about teaching body awareness, discipline, and consistent effort. They'll discover the empowerment that comes from safely pushing physical boundaries.

Beyond the physical, this equipment profoundly impacts their mental health. Strength training is a fantastic outlet for stress and anxiety, offering a healthy way to channel energy and boost mood through endorphins. It teaches resilience – that patience and persistence overcome challenges. The focus required during workouts improves concentration and mindfulness. Plus, the sense of achievement after each session will significantly boost their self-esteem and body image. We're nurturing stronger, more confident, and happier minds, not just bodies.

To further support and motivate them, we'll use an insulated lunch bag to keep sports drinks and healthy snacks chilled. This is a fantastic way to reward their hard work, celebrate achievements, and encourage their best. This is an investment in their future, driven by our deep desire to see each student truly soar!

Mr. Patterson Idea Academy - Bassett Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

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.

Jacksonville, FL 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

HBCU Alum 998 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Patterson is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
SQUATZ 70lb Adjustable Dumbbell Weight, Fitness Equipment with Anti-Slip Metal Handle, Quick Change Weight Adjustments with Twist Lock Technology, for Full Body Workout and Weightlifting • Amazon Business $249.90 2 $499.80
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 45LB (Single) • Amazon Business $62.81 2 $125.62
Signature Fitness Olympic Barbell Standard Weightlifting Barbell, NEW-2IN7FT-SLV • Amazon Business $117.97 1 $117.97
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 45LB (Set of 2) • Amazon Business $109.99 1 $109.99
GoSports Padded Blocking and Sparring Training Pads - 2 Pack for Martial Arts and Sports Training (Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, MMA and More) - Choose Your Style • Amazon Business $99.52 1 $99.52
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 35LB (Single) • Amazon Business $47.09 2 $94.18
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 35LB (Single) • Amazon Business $47.09 2 $94.18
CAP Barbell Olympic Hex / Trap /Shrug /Deadlift Bar with Combo Grips, Black - New Version (OBIS-89HB) • Amazon Business $91.29 1 $91.29
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 25LB (Single) • Amazon Business $40.49 2 $80.98
Yes4All 550lbs Multi Grip Rowing Handle, T Row Attachment for Muscle Training - Premium Steel 1 inch & 2 inch Bar Compatibility, Any Height Fit, Superior Grip • Amazon Business $50.75 1 $50.75
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 25LB (Set of 2) • Amazon Business $49.99 1 $49.99
Yes4All Viking Press Attachment – Great Landmine Exercise Equipment for 2-Inch Olympic Barbell • Amazon Business $47.13 1 $47.13
Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 10LB (Single) • Amazon Business $23.00 2 $46.00
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 5LB (Single) • Amazon Business $11.38 4 $45.52
GoSports Padded Blocking and Sparring Training Pads - 2 Pack for Martial Arts and Sports Training (Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, MMA and More) - Choose Your Style • Amazon Business $39.78 1 $39.78
SQUATZ Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Bag - 13 Lbs Maximum Capacity, Heavy Duty Double Insulation Container with Adjustable Padded Shoulder Strap, Keeps Packed Food Warm and Drink Cold for Up to 8 Hours • Amazon Business $33.99 1 $33.99
Yes4All Landmine Attachment for Barbell, Olympic Bar Base for Rows & Presses, Home Gym Exercise Equipment, Fits 2" Olympic Bars • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center, 2.5LB (Single) • Amazon Business $9.60 2 $19.20

Materials cost

$1,671.88

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$25.08

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,726.96

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$304.76

Total project goal

$2,031.72

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

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