Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathon “Jae” Allread.
Hi Johnathon “Jae”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2018, I came across a post on social media about teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies for their students. At first, I was shocked and honestly a little skeptical. I wanted to know if this was really happening in our own community, so I posted a simple survey in a local Facebook group asking teachers directly.
The response was overwhelming. Teacher after teacher confirmed that they were regularly paying out of pocket to support their classrooms and students. Some also shared that they were helping to feed their students, knowing that for some children, a school lunch was the only reliable meal they would receive. That reality was the spark that led to the creation of Teachers’ Pantry.
Teachers’ Pantry was founded to remove that financial burden from educators. We collect new and gently used school supplies from individuals and local businesses and make them available to teachers at no cost. We also accept monetary donations, which are used strictly for operating the pantry and purchasing supplies when donations fall short. We are 100 percent volunteer-run and have no payroll. Every dollar donated goes back into serving teachers and classrooms.
In 2021, Teachers’ Pantry became an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing donors to make tax-deductible contributions and helping us grow our reach across North Texas.
Today, in 2026, Teachers’ Pantry continues to support educators through scheduled pantry days where teachers can come in and shop for supplies, as well as appointments when needed. We are currently raising $20,000 to cover our 2026 operating expenses and to fund a major improvement to how we serve teachers. This project will allow for self-donation of supplies by the community and self-pickup access for teachers, reducing the need to coordinate appointments and making supplies available more consistently and conveniently.
What began as a simple question has become a community effort to stand behind the teachers who show up for our kids every day.
For those who want to learn more or support the work, information about our 2026 fundraiser is available at:
https://gofund.me/b90ce8978
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a completely smooth road. Like many grassroots nonprofits, consistent funding has been one of our biggest challenges. We do receive generous, often spontaneous donations from individuals, as well as donations of specific school supplies when we ask local DFW residents through social media, and those contributions are incredibly valuable.
However, what keeps the pantry operating year-round is monetary support. Financial donations allow us to cover essential operating expenses and to make unique or specialized purchases for teacher-led classroom projects when donated supplies are not available. This year marks the first time we have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help create more stable funding for our work.
Another ongoing challenge is awareness. Teachers’ Pantry relies heavily on word of mouth, and encouraging teachers to be a voice for the organization within their own social circles can be difficult, even though they believe in the mission. Many educators are already stretched thin and are hesitant to ask others for support.
Despite these challenges, the continued need and the impact on teachers and classrooms keep us moving forward.
We’ve been impressed with NowStaff Virtual Assistance Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
NowStaff Virtual Assistance Services provides educated, highly trained Virtual Assistants who specialize in supporting independent insurance agencies. We focus on Virtual CSR services that help agencies operate more efficiently, improve client service, and scale without the overhead and challenges of traditional staffing.
What sets NowStaff apart is our deep understanding of the insurance industry and our commitment to quality. Our Virtual Assistants are carefully recruited, extensively trained, and continually developed to meet the specific workflows, systems, and service standards of each agency we partner with. We do not offer one-size-fits-all staffing. Instead, we tailor our training and support so our team integrates seamlessly into an agency’s existing operations.
Our mission is simple: accelerating our clients’ successes through superior quality Virtual CSR services. We measure our success by how well our clients are able to grow, retain customers, and regain time to focus on strategy rather than daily administrative tasks.
Our vision is to become the most trusted virtual insurance staffing partner in the industry, known for unmatched quality, integrity, and a team that elevates every agency we serve. What we are most proud of is the long-term relationships we build, not just with our clients, but with our Virtual Assistants, who are treated as professionals and an extension of our clients’ teams.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about Dallas is the diversity of its people. It’s a city made up of many backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and that diversity shows up in how the community supports one another and works together.
What I like least is the traffic, especially during evening rush hour, which can make getting across the city more challenging than it needs to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teacherspantry.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacherspantry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teacherspantry
