Back-to-school season can be a bittersweet time for families across the country. The excitement of fresh notebooks and new beginnings often clashes with the reality that many classrooms—and the teachers who hold them down—are still scraping together the basics. Disney is stepping in to help change that narrative, partnering with education-focused nonprofits DonorsChoose and First Book to get essential supplies and books into under-resourced schools nationwide. Who better to help amplify the effort than Abbott Elementary’s own? Beloved kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard—portrayed by Emmy Award-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph— lends her powerful voice to the new campaign spot. Meanwhile, Chris Perfetti and William Stanford Davis joined Disney VoluntEARS in Los Angeles on July 30, 2025, helping sort and pack supplies headed to classrooms across the country.

Investing in the Next Generation of Storytellers

This initiative gives students and teachers the tools they need to dream big and tell their stories. Building on a legacy of impact, Disney is matching public donations for classroom projects focused on arts and storytelling through DonorsChoose, supporting schools in all 50 states. The goal is to rally entire communities around their teachers and young creatives who often have talent in abundance but lack the resources to fully express it.

“Disney is again showing up for public schools and getting students the art and creative supplies they need to express themselves through their class work and tell their stories,” said Alex Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “We at DonorsChoose are thankful that Disney is stepping in with this meaningful boost of support in time for the back-to-school season.”

Books That Open Doors

For more than two decades, Disney has partnered with First Book to put books into the hands of kids who need them most. This fall, thousands more will be distributed to low-income communities across the country, adding to the 93 million books donated since 2000. It’s a reminder that access to stories—ones that reflect children’s realities, dreams, and cultures—can shape a lifetime of learning.

“Books are the gateway to reading and learning, but millions of children and schools don’t have the books they need,” said Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book. “This fall Disney and First Book will help welcome children back to school with brand new books to brighten classrooms and engage young readers. We’re thrilled to invite Disney fans everywhere to join us in bringing the magic of storytelling to children nationwide.”

VoluntEARS and Fire Relief Efforts

Disney VoluntEARS, a longstanding tradition of more than 25 years, will once again lead school supply drives, delivering donations directly to nonprofits and schools in underserved communities. The initiative also includes targeted support for classrooms impacted by the devastating 2025 LA fires, providing funds to help teachers rebuild and replenish their supplies as they prepare to welcome students back.

How You Can Help

Teachers can sign up to request classroom supplies at DonorsChoose.org/DisneyBackToSchool, and educators serving low-income communities can become a free First Book member at FirstBook.org/DisneyBackToSchool. The campaign encourages everyday people—Disney fans, parents, neighbors—to pitch in, because even small donations can ripple out into big change for classrooms across the country.

Every child deserves the tools to imagine, create, and thrive. This back-to-school season, Disney is putting its magic where it matters most—right in the hands of teachers and kids who need it.