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Altering Lives: Altar’d State Donates $60,000 to Three CCS Elementary Schools

teachers standing with large checks

June 5, 2025 — A generous $60,000 investment in education from fashion retailer Altar’d State is being celebrated by Columbus City Schools (CCS).

The $60,000 donation, split evenly amongst East Linden, Innis, and Oakland Park elementary schools, comes as part of Altar’d State’s commitment to supporting education and uplifting the communities they serve.

“With the opening of our new store at Easton Town Center, we saw an opportunity to pour into the local community and create a positive impact from day one,” said Altar’d State’s Chief Marketing Officer Dana Senguin. “Giving back isn’t just something Altar’d State does–it’s at the core of who we are.”

Each school received $20,000 in gift card funds through AdoptAClassroom.org, allowing teachers to directly purchase resources tailored to their students' needs. From basic classroom supplies and books to hands-on learning tools and emotional wellness materials, the funds aim to strengthen both instruction and school culture.

The joy and excitement were especially clear at Innis Elementary during the live donation reveal.

“That was really unexpected. Nobody had said anything to us teachers,” said Colin Dennis, third grade teacher at Innis Elementary School. “[The donation] means really big changes we can make in the classroom, so it’s really exciting!”

Dennis contemplated how he would invest in his classroom.

“My room needs a lot of things,” Dennis said. “Anything from posters to a carpet to things for the students, whether it's markers, crayons, pencils. All of it is something I can use that money for. It'll be so amazing to give to the students.”

At East Linden Elementary School, the donation landed with heartfelt gratitude.

“Receiving the $20,000 gift card donation for East Linden Elementary is an incredible blessing and a testament to the support our community has for our students and staff,” said East Linden Principal Cheryl Jones. “This generous donation will allow us to provide much-needed resources that directly impact student learning and engagement – classroom supplies, books, or enrichment opportunities.”

Jones emphasized how the funds will uplift both students and educators.

“For our students, it means greater access to high-quality learning materials, engaging classroom resources, and enrichment opportunities that support their academic and social-emotional growth,”Jones said. “For our dedicated staff, it provides tools and supplies that can enhance instruction, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and boost morale.”

Teachers at East Linden plan to invest in flexible seating, science kits, math games, headphones, art supplies, and materials to support emotional development – all items that enrich and energize the classroom experience. Most importantly, they’ll have the freedom to choose what best serves their students.

“We want our teachers to have the freedom to choose what best meets their students' needs, and this donation gives them that valuable opportunity,” Jones added.

For Altar’d State, supporting Columbus students is part of a broader mission.

“Our goal is to help create a learning environment where both staff and students feel seen, supported, and encouraged,” Seguin said. “At Altar’d State, we’re passionate about making a difference in the communities we call home. Our mission is to ‘Stand Out For Good,’ and supporting CCS is one meaningful way we live out that mission—by investing in the future and uplifting those who shape it every day.”

CCS extends its gratitude to Altar’d State for this meaningful gift. 

“I'm almost shocked into silence here, but it's an amazing thing to give back to the community,” Dennis said. “I think it was a fantastic thing for them to choose [our school] and to give us the opportunity to show [our students] that everyone cares. It's not just teachers in the building.”

As the District continues its mission to support the whole-child and empower every learner, community partnerships like this one highlight what’s possible when education and generosity come together.