D.E.S.K. Donates More Than $72,000 for School Supplies for San Angelo ISD Students

For 21 years, in pursuit of its mission “to ensure all SAISD students have the necessary school supplies to facilitate learning,” the D.E.S.K. organization has worked year-round, alongside community partners, to raise money to help San Angelo ISD families purchase school supplies.

“We are so grateful for D.E.S.K. and their unwavering support,” said Dr. Farrah Gomez, San Angelo ISD deputy superintendent and chief academic officer. “Due to this, our students are better equipped to succeed. These contributions not only lighten the financial burdens on families but also ensures that every child starts the school year with the tools they need to thrive.”

Last month, after the district’s annual back-to-school convocation, D.E.S.K., which stands for Donate Educational Supplies to Kids, presented SAISD school faculty with a total of $72,028.36 in support of San Angelo students and families in need of school supplies. The funds were allocated out to each SAISD campus based on need. 

“It was a great opportunity for D.E.S.K. to present each school’s check to not only the principals, but to each school’s entire staff who were riding their bus for Convocation,” said D.E.S.K. Vice President Vicki Loso. “The energy was amazing and it also gave us an opportunity to thank each group for what they do for the students in San Angelo.” 

The organization hosts school supply drives in the fall and fundraisers throughout the year including a golf tournament; online silent auction; participation in San Angelo Gives, the 24-hour, online giving event in May; and a Christmas decoration sale. D.E.S.K. also receives support from grants from local foundations, and donations from local organizations, churches and community members. Community partners who have joined D.E.S.K. in its mission include: McDonald's, 1st Community Federal Credit Union, Dr. Pepper, Sam's Club, KLST, San Angelo Standard-Times and Townsquare Media. 

Mrs. Loso said her involvement with D.E.S.K. stems from her own passion for education as well as her daughter’s service as an educator. “First, I always dreamed of being a teacher so D.E.S.K. gives me a connection with the schools, their staffs and I know we are helping the students,” said Mrs. Loso. “Also, my daughter is a teacher so I know first-hand from her experience how much teachers give out of their own pockets for supplies and other items to improve the student’s learning experience. It is very heart-warming to know so many students and parents have one less thing to worry about when we are able to help them with their necessary supplies without having to go through a difficult process.”

About D.E.S.K.  

D.E.S.K. was founded in 2004 by local resident and entrepreneur Eric Wilson, who identified an unmet need to assist SAISD students in obtaining school supplies. Mr. Wilson formed a board of concerned Concho Valley community members who set out to raise funds to meet this need. 

Now in its 21st year, the organization has raised more than $1 million since 2004 for the purpose of helping those in the school district who are unable to purchase supplies for the school year. SAISD principals and staff acknowledge the meaningful contribution by D.E.S.K. for their schools, and have shared stories about how the organization helps families in need while also supporting teachers who might otherwise feel compelled to provide those supplies themselves.

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