Eugenia Floyd has worked in education in Chapel Hill for more than a decade.
She says gift cards come regularly and most love the gesture but a simple thank you can go a long way.
She also just wants people to recognize the hard work time and money they put in outside the classroom.
"I think a thank you, a big thank you in any way that you know how to show. It is really helpful during this time. I can't tell anyone what to go buy. But like I said, cash is great. But also a thank you goes a long way for sure," Floyd said.
In Wake County, leaders proposed a budget that would help alleviate the pressure for educators.
County Manager, David Ellis, proposed an increase in support for schools operating expenses by $38 million.
This can fund compensation for school employees, textbooks and programs like literacy coaching and child nutrition.
The Orange County manager will present their budget proposal Tuesday night at their meeting.