Back to school helping a local Michiana teacher each week

BRIDGMAN, Mich. -- Bridgman Open Air Market has lent a helping hand to teachers by collecting school supplies and donating them to a new teacher each week.

Prices have been on the rise and many teachers this fall are faced with a gap between the needs and costs of their classrooms.

Danielle Rosenthal, a 4th grade teacher at Countryside Academy received a large collection of supplies donated from the Market and people in the community.

“We look for an output more of an income of that makes sense, we do it to pour into others,” stated Danielle Rosenthal, Countryside Academy teacher.

One of the people that helped collect for the drive and filled backpacks, Roseanne Stachowiak, said it’s a no brainer to help local teachers.

“Because if we don’t who will,” said Rose Stachowiak, Market Manager.

Rosenthal eagerly looks for the moment that her students' eyes sparkle in the classroom.

“To be able to do that for a child when they’re not getting, not getting it and all the sudden Miss Rosenthal, I got it. It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Danielle Rosenthal, Countryside Academy Teacher.

The Bridgman Open Air Market typically is known for its booths with handmade items for sale. Now it also has helped local teachers that usually spend their own money.

“The need for teachers to put thousands of dollars of their own money into the supplies their classroom needs and let’s face it with this economy supplies aren’t cheap,” stated Rose Stachowiak, Market Manager.

The market will collect for the rest of the month. Each week a new teacher will be given class supplies.