Each summer, food blogger Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen invites her readers to join her in a heartwarming and generous tradition. Instead of focusing solely on the joys of cooking and baking, Perelman uses her platform to give back to the community and support educators across the country.
It all began in 2010, when Perelman came across a tweet from a teacher in New York City asking for donations to help her purchase supplies for her classroom. The teacher, like many others, was struggling to provide her students with the necessary materials for their education. Perelman was moved by the teacher’s plea and decided to take action. She reached out to her readers and asked them to help fulfill the teacher’s wish list. The response was overwhelming and the idea for “Clear the List” was born.
Each year since then, Perelman has dedicated a portion of her summer to advocating for teachers and their students. She invites her readers to browse through a list of teachers’ Amazon wish lists and purchase items to help them start the school year off on the right foot. The lists include everything from basic supplies like pencils and notebooks to more specific items like books and art materials. By clearing these lists, Perelman’s readers are helping to ease the financial burden on teachers and provide their students with the tools they need to succeed.
In an interview with Perelman, she shared her thoughts on the impact of “Clear the List” and why it is such an important cause for her. She explained, “Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society. They work tirelessly to educate and inspire our children, often with limited resources. ‘Clear the List’ is a small way for us to show our appreciation and support for these amazing individuals.”
Perelman’s dedication and passion for this cause have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, “Clear the List” has gained a significant following and has expanded beyond just Perelman’s blog. Teachers across the country have joined the movement, sharing their wish lists on social media with the hashtag #clearthelist. This has allowed more people to get involved and support teachers in their own communities.
In addition to helping teachers, “Clear the List” also highlights the importance of community and giving back. Perelman’s readers have formed a community that comes together each year to support a cause that is close to their hearts. It is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Perelman’s generosity and dedication have also inspired others to start similar initiatives. Other bloggers and organizations have joined in on the “Clear the List” movement, spreading the message of support for teachers and their students even further.
As a result of “Clear the List,” countless teachers and students have been able to start the school year with the supplies they need. But the impact goes beyond just material items. The outpouring of support from strangers has shown teachers that their hard work and dedication are appreciated and valued by the community. This has a positive effect on their morale and motivation, ultimately benefiting their students.
As we face the challenges of the current pandemic, the need to support educators has become even more critical. Many teachers are facing the added burden of adapting to online teaching and providing their students with virtual resources. In response, Perelman has expanded “Clear the List” to include virtual wish lists, allowing her readers to support teachers in this new environment.
In a world where negativity and divisiveness often dominate the news, Deb Perelman and “Clear the List” are a shining example of the power of kindness and generosity. They remind us that we all have the ability to make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem. So let us join together and support our teachers and their students, not just during the summer, but throughout the year. Let us show them that we are grateful for all that they do and that we stand with them in their mission to educate and inspire the next generation.
