FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mission Accomplished: Tools for Teachers Was a Huge Success!

DUMFRIES, VA — August 31, 2025 — The Derrick Wood Foundation today announced the successful completion of its first Tools for Teachers classroom supply drive, an effort that helped equip educators ahead of the new school year at Dumfries Elementary School and Graham Park Middle School.

Some teachers picked up supplies the week before school to set up early. On the first day of school, the Foundation completed school drop-offs—delivering carts and baskets of notebooks, folders, markers, crayons, tissues, wipes, organizers, and more.

“Our goal was simple: equip our teachers so they can focus on teaching, not stretching budgets,” said Mayor Derrick R. Wood, founder of the Derrick Wood Foundation. “I want to thank School Board Member Justin David Wilk for partnering with us and helping raise funds and awareness. Because of Justin’s outreach—and donors including Michael Thomas, Dimitri Albritton, Dr. Richard Smith, Jennifer Carroll Foy, and Wegmans—along with many others across our community, we delivered real help where it matters most.”

Voices from the classroom

“Mayor Wood and his foundation hooked us up. It takes every little bit like this. This goody bag, this blessing box is you saying thank you to us. Every time I use it to help a kid, I’ll know the whole community is with us. It’s a box of stuff, but it’s a box of love that fills up these kids’ hearts and minds.”

— Ms. Britton, Teacher, Forest Park High School (lightly edited for clarity)

“We are so grateful, Mayor Wood. Our students and teachers will use these supplies right away. It’s the start of the year—some families are in need—so being able to share these donations with our Lions means everything. I taught for 18 years; anything you can spare makes a huge difference in a classroom. Thank you for making teachers’ jobs easier.”

— Principal, Graham Park Middle School (lightly edited for clarity)

Community partners

In addition to individual donors, the Foundation thanks community partners who amplified the drive—including Grace Church and local businesses—and the many residents who contributed via Amazon Wish Lists, local drop-offs, sponsorships, and shares.

About Tools for Teachers

Tools for Teachers is a Derrick Wood Foundation initiative that equips classrooms with essential supplies at the start of the school year, reducing out-of-pocket costs for educators and ensuring students have what they need to learn and lead.

Call to Action

Support our programs and mission to Build Leaders, Changing the world. Visit derrickrwood.com/foundation to give or partner.

About the Derrick Wood Foundation

The Derrick Wood Foundation advances community leadership and opportunity through initiatives that support educators and students, youth mentorship, economic mobility, and global service. Our mission is simple: build leaders and change worlds.