Indiana teachers recognized with gifts from Verizon retailer

Feb. 24—FISHERS — TCC, one of the nation's largest Verizon authorized retailers and a subsidiary of Round Room, LLC, recently conducted its 11th annual Teachers Rock initiative, where the company gives back to local educators to show appreciation toward those who impact the students of the community.

During the week of Feb. 12-16, TCC locations nationwide showered local teachers with love and support during the middle of a busy academic year, a news release stated. Each store selected a teacher to give back to, with appreciation efforts including school supplies gathered during a store-led drive and through company-allocated funds.

"Teachers have left an indelible mark on each of us, inspiring the creation of our Teachers Rock initiative. This initiative stands as a cherished annual event within our calendar for over 10 years now," said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room and TCC in the release. "As we continue to witness the remarkable growth of this program, we are reminded of the essential role teachers play in nurturing future generations. Our unwavering support is a testament to the enduring impact they have on the world."

Additionally, through TCC's Big Impact initiative, the company chose 12 teachers' Amazon wish lists to buy out up to $1,000. Teachers nationwide entered the sweepstakes through a form submission, and the winners were chosen at random.

This year's Big Impact winners include:

—JoAnn Kuntz, Creative Beginnings Christian Preschool

—Sharon Groth, Christel House Watanabe High School

—Margaret Williams, Christel House Academy West

—Alanna Myers, Eastbrook North Elementary

—Bree Ohlrich, Clarenceville High School

—Kelly Heath, Edgewood Elementary School

—Amy Stephensen, Clark Fork Jr/Sr High School

—Stephanie Johnson, I Have A Dream Preschool Academy

—Kelley Gertner, Lake Hill Elementary School

—Traci Stambaugh, Red Mill Elementary

—KyLee Behm, DuQuoin Elementary School

—Karina Trevino, Canutillo Middle School

"The items on my wishlist were things for the classroom that aren't necessarily academic, but used for fine motor skills, indoor recess and playing together to improve socializing," said Kelly Heath, Big Impact winner and teacher at Edgewood Elementary School in Anderson. "It's amazing that TCC does this for teachers. To have these items purchased for me, that I couldn't afford on my own, I feel incredibly fortunate. My class and I cannot thank TCC enough."

Round Room, LLC operates over 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone wireless retail stores across 43 states. Its portfolio of companies shares a deep commitment to improving the communities they serve nationwide. Because of Round Room's extraordinary impact across its industry and the company's commitment to serving its customers and employees, Round Room has been named a USA Today Top Workplaces winner three years in a row.

As a Culture of Good, Inc. company, TCC makes ongoing investments in the communities it operates in. In 2023, the company donated 120,000 backpacks containing school supplies with its sister company, Wireless Zone, to children across the nation through the 11th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway, marking 1.3 million backpacks donated by TCC since 2013. The company also gave away a Mega Grant of $1.7 million to seven Indianapolis-based nonprofits that included a $60,000 transportation allowance. Additionally, TCC held in-store pet supply drives and shelter animal adoption events through its Rescues Rocks campaign and gave $800,000 in community grants in 2023 through TCC Gives, the company's corporate giving initiative, the release added.

To learn more, visit www.TCCRocks.com. Customers can also connect with the company at www.facebook.com/tcctalk and www.twitter.com/tcctalk.