All year long, teachers across the country submit requests through DonorsChoose, giving us a clear picture of what their classrooms are missing. Some needs are universal. Some are specific to a zip code, a community, and even regional weather.
The tens of thousands of classroom projects posted so far in 2026 form the most detailed, teacher-sourced picture of what teachers and their students in every corner of the country need this spring. All told, students in Maine and students in Maui share more in common than you might expect — and the differences between them matter just as much.
What we learned: 44 states (and Washington, DC) have the same #1 request
Of all the materials a classroom could, teachers in the majority of states have the same #1 request: Books. Replacing dog-eared copies, expanding from a single novel to a class set, diversifying and updating materials, filling out different reading levels, snagging the hottest new titles — teachers everywhere need help stocking their shelves.
From Ms. Kim Hong in Jackson Heights, NY who requested copies of Anne of Green Gables, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The One and Only Ivan, Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series, and the entire Hunger Games boxed set:
“The average age of the books in our library is 1998, which means that many titles are over 30 years old. Some materials dating back more than 50 years; our library collection is very outdated. Our children deserve new, diverse, and high-quality resources that better reflect and serve our students’ needs.”
Mr. Hill in Harvey, IL explains the deeper reason why a wide range of books is so important:
“Beyond academics, these books create a sense of belonging. Our library is now a destination where students see their interests valued, sparking organic ‘book talk’ and community. Your support ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the stories they love.”
And the six states that didn’t have books as their top-requested item? They all requested food items most, but books was their #2.
What we learned: Some states break the mold
No one-size-fits-all approach works for America’s classrooms. Classrooms in the Deep South request household disinfectants more than any other region. Rugs are especially popular in Vermont. Goldfish crackers and animal crackers top nearly every classroom snack list, except for Tennessee and West Virginia, which are all in on Pop-Tarts.
And sometimes the most vital items are directly dependent upon the weather. Hearing directly from teachers about their specific classroom needs is the only way to ensure students get exactly what they need.
From Alaska (Ms Ibarra’s classroom):
“With temperatures often plunging well below zero, children are at a higher risk for hypothermia and frostbite because their smaller bodies lose heat faster than adults. In Alaska, winter gear isn't just about comfort—it’s a safety essential.”
To Florida (Mr. Taylor’s classroom):
“Our Tampa school struggles with an old air conditioning unit that doesn't work properly when it is working at all. In addition, the humidity in our Florida classroom constantly approaches 100%. Students are constantly leaving the class to go find an area where the air conditioning functions, missing valuable instructional time.”
What we learned: There really is a Big 3
35 states have the same three items in their top three most requested resources: books, classroom snacks, and educational toys.
As Ms. Harper in Detroit, MI put it: “New school, new school year, new students. Same needs!” Her request for books from the Llama, Llama and Pete the Cat series, magnetic letters and numbers, and Play-Doh mirrors the needs of classrooms across the country. Books, snacks, and educational toys are universally needed — and appreciated — classroom materials.
Curious about what your favorite state needs most right now? Here’s the full list:
Full List
Alaska
Books
Food
Markers & Highlighters
Alabama
Books
Food
Household Disinfectants
Arkansas
Books
Food
Markers & Highlighters
Arizona
Books
Food
Educational Toys
California
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Colorado
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Connecticut
Books
Educational Toys
Food
Delaware
Books
Educational Toys
Educational Toys
Florida
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Georgia
Books
Food
Household Disinfectants
Hawaii
Books
Food
Markers & Highlighters
Iowa
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Idaho
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Illinois
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Indiana
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Kansas
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Kentucky
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Louisiana
Books
Food
Headphones
Massachusetts
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Maryland
Food
Books
Educational Toys
Maine
Books
Food
Markers & Highlighters
Michigan
Books
Educational Toys
Food
Minnesota
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Missouri
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Mississippi
Books
Food
Household Disinfectants
Montana
Books
Markers & Highlighters
Food
North Carolina
Books
Food
Educational Toys
North Dakota
Food
Books
Educational Toys
Nebraska
Books
Food
Educational Toys
New Hampshire
Books
Markers & Highlighters
Educational Toys
New Jersey
Food
Books
Educational Toys
New Mexico
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Nevada
Books
Educational Toys
Markers & Highlighters
New York
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Ohio
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Oklahoma
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Oregon
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Pennsylvania
Food
Books
Educational Toys
Rhode Island
Books
Food
Educational Toys
South Carolina
Books
Food
Headphones
South Dakota
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Tennessee
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Texas
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Utah
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Virginia
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Vermont
Books
Food
Rugs
Washington
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Washington, DC
Food
Books
Educational Toys
Wisconsin
Books
Food
Educational Toys
West Virginia
Books
Food
Educational Toys
Wyoming
Books
Food
Educational Toys
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