Samuel L. Jackson made a pledge on YouTube today to fund school classroom projects in Chattanooga.
Jackson made the pledge as part of a campaign by DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization that allows public school teachers to ask for funding for specific projects. Anyone can use the website to donate money to fund projects, and any public school teacher can ask for funding.
Jackson funded three projects in Chattanooga and also gave an additional gift that will be used to fund future projects, said Chris Pearsall, director of communications at DonorsChoose.org. He declined to say exactly how much money Jackson donated.
Jackson paid $987 to put an iPad, Kindle, tablet and printer in a classroom in East Ridge Middle School. He and three other donors also helped to pay for three iPad minis at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy - total price of $1,173 - and for new furniture in a classroom at Orchard Knob Elementary School, with a total cost of $577.
"I'm doing that because I'm a proud graduate of Riverside High School in Chattanooga," Jackson said in the 1-minute, 15-second video.
Jackson said in the video that he used to talk about his hopes and dreams on his walk to school.
"We all graduated on time, nobody dropped out," he said. "We supported each other and our teachers supported us. I loved my education in the Chattanooga school system. "
DonorsChoose.org, which was founded in 2000, has funded about 700,000 classroom projects, according to its website. Today's statement from Jackson comes as part of a day-long fundraising campaign dubbed #BestSchoolDay.
For the campaign, 58 high-profile donors gave DonorsChoose.org $14.2 million, Pearsall said. Donors include Bill and Melinda Gates, Anna Kendrick, Carmelo Anthony and others.
After a teacher posts a project request on DonorsChoose.org, the project recieves donations and if it reaches the goal, the goods are shipped straight to the teacher, Pearsall said.
"It could be for a field trip, books, supplies - donors can fund the project that they find most inspiring," he said.
Jackson has not returned a request for comment today.
Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at 423-757-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com with tips or story ideas. Follow @ShellyBradbury.