When Janine Teagues discovers that her students’ classroom supplies are woefully inadequate, she sets up an online wishlist to solicit donations from the public. Her enthusiasm quickly clashes with the school’s bureaucratic system and the skepticism of veteran teacher Barbara Howard, who warns that outside help often comes with strings attached. Meanwhile, Gregory Eddie reluctantly joins a school fundraiser selling gift wrap, and Ava Coleman, the unqualified but hilarious principal, tries to use Janine’s wishlist for her own personal gain.

Ava’s version of the video is highly manipulative, using exaggerated "tragedy porn" to garner sympathy and views. While Janine is horrified by the exploitative nature of the video, it successfully results in thousands of views and a flood of supplies for her classroom.