TAMPA, Fla. — The majority of Bay area teachers will spend money out of their own pockets to shop for their classrooms.

This week’s A+ Teacher is answering an even bigger call for help.

She spends thousands of dollars each year to make sure students and struggling families have what they need.

A teacher for more than two decades, Melissa Boucher gives the gift of learning at Mort Elementary School in Tampa.

"We have a special birthday treasure box that they get to pick something out of,” said Pre-K teacher Boucher. “We bring in a treat that they like, whether its cupcakes or cookies and I usually will find a song that has their name in it, singing happy birthday to them, so they have a personalized birthday song."

All of her kids get the comforts of a loving home on this campus.

Even those stuck at home during the pandemic.

"I made sure to mail them a special birthday package,” she said. “And called them on their birthdays to wish them a happy birthday."

But this teacher's love runs much deeper.

Boucher’s principal said she always provides household items for hundreds of struggling families critical for their quality of life.

Their supply rooms are stocked with essentials, including proper fitting shoes, food and gift cards.

"She really thinks about the whole school,” said Mort Elementary Principal Latiecea Hailey-Brown. “And we've had families that left our school and social workers from other schools will contact her and say, 'well, we have this family in need.' and there goes Melissa flying out of the building to grab whatever she can to service this family."

Boucher used to spend most of her paycheck on these donations.

Then she started writing grants. She also shops on the weekends.

"I just pick things up i think the families will be able to use,” Boucher said. “Any household items. We've got a list of families that transitions.

“They don't have pots and pans. They don't have things for the bedroom. So, I'll pick up a futon here and different things."