Google surprises LAUSD teachers with school supplies

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Google surprised hundreds of Los Angeles teachers Monday by donating pencils, books, printers and other school supplies that were on their wish lists.

"Anything from pencils to technology, it's going to help the kids in the classroom. Any professional with a well-supplied toolbox will be more effective," said history teacher David George. "I'm blown away by the generosity. It's super cool."

It's all in partnership with the organization, DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit website where teachers can post the things they need most for their classrooms and public donors can support their favorite projects.

Google donated nearly $1 million to help each of the 769 Los Angeles Unified School District teachers who used DonorChoose.org for financial help, covering all 1,071 requests. Part of the donations will help fund an eighth-grade trip to Washington D.C.

"We know it can be a lot of hard work. We're happy to help when we can," said Thomas Williams, senior director of engineering at Google.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and actor Kevin McHale of "Glee," a graduate of LAUSD, also made an appearance at the event, which was held at Marina Del Rey Middle School in Los Angeles.

"Go on DonorsChoose.org and see the work that they're doing, because I don't think people realize how much money teachers spend out of their own pocket to provide for their students," said McHale.

City News Service contributed to this report.