Colbert fans give $14,300 to schools ... and counting

A nonprofit that helps match donors with teachers in need of classroom supplies got a boost from Comedy Central star and Charleston native Stephen Colbert, who publicly challenged his viewers to donate to South Carolina teachers.

Colbert's endorsement of DonorsChoose came during Thursday night's episode of his popular show, "The Colbert Report." More than $14,300 had been donated as of Friday afternoon.

Katie Bisbee, the nonprofit's executive director of the Atlantic region, which includes South Carolina, said officials were both surprised and elated by Colbert's endorsement.

"This is the most exciting day for us. This is a huge deal," she said. "This kind of recognition engages both teachers and community members for us."

DonorsChoose works by inviting teachers to post classroom needs, such as books or microscopes, directly on its Web site. Potential donors can see what teachers need and give directly.

The program was launched in South Carolina in 2005. Since then it has raised more than $600,000 from donors nationwide, which has benefited an estimated 58,928 South Carolina students.

To help raise money, DonorsChoose is holding a straw poll on its Web site, encouraging donors to give money in the name of their favorite presidential candidate. Colbert announced this week that he is running for president.

Colbert issued his challenge to help South Carolina teachers during an interview with Craig Newmark, the founder of the popular Internet site Craigslist.

Newmark mentioned that he had just made a donation to DonorsChoose. Colbert then urged his viewers to do the same in support of his presidential bid. According to DonorsChoose, Colbert is leading the race.

"I encourage everybody go on, make donations to teachers in South Carolina," Colbert said during the interview. "Let's make a difference, let's make me No. 1."

Tammy Bloser, a kindergarten teacher at Midland Park Elementary School, said Friday that she has benefited from DonorsChoose by receiving everything from a laptop and digital camera to books for her classroom.

"Everything I have received we use everyday," Bloser said. "It has made such a huge impact in my classroom and for my classroom."

Reach James Scott at 745-5855 or at jscott@postandcourier.com.