Teacher Requests Backpacks and School Supplies as Wedding Gifts from All Guests

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A teacher and her groom recently went viral for selflessly asking backpacks and school supplies as wedding gifts instead of receiving something for themselves. Netizens praised them for thinking of less fortunate kids…

When Matt Cameron proposed to Kelli Carter, a first-grade teacher at Roland Park K-8 Magnet School in Tampa, Florida, in 2018, the two would soon plan for their wedding. But the teacher in Kelli had strong belief that her students are also her family; thus, she thought of including children in the wedding.

Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools

Knowing that many children could not afford to buy new bags and school supplies each year, Kelli asked Matt whether he would agree that they would ask these from their guests instead. Matt readily agreed, saying he is proud of his bride for thinking of this brilliant idea!

Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools

Kelli would soon find a school to support, the Booker T. Washington Elementary School which is also in Tampa, Florida. In coordination with the teachers at the school, Kelli and Matt were able to get the names of the kids who really needed help.

Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools

Each of the invitations for the wedding was personalized to include a child’s information, including grade level, gender, and clothing sizes. Wedding guests were given the freedom to buy anything they wanted for the kids, but the couple suggested that they give bags, uniforms, and school supplies.

Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools

Matt and Kelli set up an Amazon registry for the kids’ school supplies and bags, instead of a standard wedding registry. Their advocacy made their guests happy – and everyone arrived at the wedding with backpacks filled with school supplies, uniforms, and even some extra treats for the children!

Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools

After the wedding, the couple gathered their gifts and these didn’t even fit the groom’s truck! Matt had to come back two more times to bring all these gifts home. The couple happily distributed the school supplies to the children – and it certainly is one of the happiest moments in their lives.