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Operation Classroom

Our Mission

To assist and offer support and resources to teachers and students in underserved or underfunded educational settings.

2025 Letter

Read the 2025 Letter from Operation Classroom Committee Chair

The US Department of Education has announced that over 94% of public school teachers provide school supplies for their classrooms out of their own resources without any expectation of reimbursement. What if every Philoptochos chapter across the US adopts an underserved school in their community and provides needed support? Multiply the number of schools served by the number of students and imagine the lives we could reach and positively impact! For a small financial investment, Philoptochos stewards can affect the next generation of scientists, artists, religious leaders, teachers, and perhaps even a president. Our President challenges every chapter to get involved and adopt a school!

 
Read the 2025 Letter

Implementing Operation Classroom at the Chapter Level:

  • The President of the Chapter should appoint an Operation Classroom Chairman and committee
  • The Operation Classroom committee should seek out parishioners in their community who are educators and other individuals affiliated with schools
  • Parishioners should be used as a resource to identify schools in their area that are in need

How does a Chapter get Operation Classroom Started?

  • Check to see if there is an educational foundation for the school district you choose to help. Some foundations work with teachers and classrooms by providing needed programs or supplies. If the foundation does not work in that capacity, they may be able to direct you to someone who does.
  • Approach a school district and ask if there is a community liaison who works with volunteers who want to assist teachers or classrooms.
  • Approach a school principal and ask if there is a project or class/teacher that could benefit from Operation Classroom. The school may have needs that could best be met by approaching the principal first.

For additional guidance on how to get started, click here.

Learn more information for your Chapter’s Operation Classroom Liaison: Click Here

What Should Our Operation Classroom Be?

  • The program is designed to be flexible, and each chapter should design its outreach to the schools and teachers as needed. Each chapter can choose how they can best help.
  • Operation Classroom could be started at any time but aiming for the beginning of the school year would be beneficial.

For specific ideas on what you can implement, click here. 

DO! Network with members of your parish for:
  • Their connection to any schools
  • Use the Operation Classroom as a means of promoting Philoptochos awareness
  • Get your community youth involved; contact the Greek Schools, Church Schools, and Youth groups to be part of this hands-on project.
Possible Operation Classroom Projects:

Chapters can partner with local schools, juvenile detention centers, shelters, church schools, and more to make a meaningful impact through a variety of projects.

Backpacks & School Supplies

  • Provide backpacks filled with requested supplies. Check with your partner school for a supply list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
  • Tip: Backpacks USA offers backpacks at $2–$5 each.
  • Sample Supplies List

Weekend Food Bags

  • Many children rely on school meals and go hungry on weekends. Assemble “Weekend Bags” with shelf-stable, easy-to-prepare food items like oatmeal, granola bars, and canned goods.

Clothing Closet Donations

  • Over 20 million children face clothing insecurity. Hold drives for essentials like coats, hats, gloves, and everyday clothing. Include items like socks and underwear for emergencies during the school day.

Hygiene Kits & Hygiene Closets

  • Basic hygiene can transform a child’s confidence and academic performance. Donate items like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine products.
  • Companies like Johnson & Johnson and Walmart often donate items. Discounted hygiene kits are also available from Backpacks USA.

Book Drives

  • In low-income neighborhoods, the average is 1 book per 300 children. Help change that by collecting new or gently used books for classrooms or for students to take home.

Support for Educational Field Trips

  • Help students experience museums, science centers, or cultural events by underwriting field trip costs—or bring the experience directly to the classroom.

Volunteer Your Time

  • Become a mentor, reading buddy, or classroom helper. In many schools, parents can’t volunteer due to work, so your time is invaluable. Some districts offer structured mentorship programs.

Teacher Supplies

  • Teachers often pay out-of-pocket for classroom needs. Ask what they’re missing—construction paper, science tools, or other materials—and help fill the gap.

Teacher Appreciation & Emotional Support

  • Teachers in high-need areas face significant emotional challenges. Small gestures of appreciation—like thank-you notes, treats, or self-care kits—go a long way in boosting morale.

Every Act Counts

These ideas are just the beginning. However you choose to participate, your chapter can bring lasting change to students and teachers who need it most.

How Your Chapter Can Help

Select Your Form

Choose the form you want to fill out from the options below.
OC Final January-May 2024
OC July 2025

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