DESK Non-Profit Donates over $72,000 to SAISD Schools to Help Students in Need of School Supplies

DESK Non-Profit Donates over $72,000 to SAISD Schools to Help Students in Need of School Supplies

As San Angelo ISD families prepare for students to head back to school next Wednesday, August 17th, those in need of help for school supplies have an opportunity for support at their schools thanks to the DESK non-profit organization. On Monday, DESK representative Vicki Loso presented SAISD school principals with funds for school supplies for students in need for the 2022-2023 school year in an amount totaling $72,011.02. The funds are divided out among all of our SAISD campuses based on need, and go toward the purchase of school supplies that are generally kept in an on-site school supply closet at the campus. To request support, SAISD parents and students can reach out to their campus counselors, at-risk coordinators or social workers or teachers may do so on their behalf. 

“We are so thankful for the DESK Foundation and the support that they provide here at Austin. The gift of school supplies meets the needs of our learners and takes pressure off of families. The smile on the face of a student who has everything they need to grow and learn is invaluable, said Austin Elementary Principal Brooke Kalnbach. "These supplies help us to ensure that students are ready and able to carry out our guidelines for success: Be safe. Be kind. Be ready to learn.” 

DESK, which stands for Donate Educational Supplies to Kids, has been serving SAISD students for nearly two decades.  DESK 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. 

“We are incredibly thankful for community partners like DESK and the businesses that join in their mission,” said SAISD Executive Director of Communications Whitney Wood. “By helping families in need of this extra bit of support, DESK enables our families and school staff to focus on what’s really important - having a positive start to the school year and inspiring young minds, rather than stressing about being able to afford school supplies. We are so appreciative of the long-standing support from DESK. This is particularly meaningful right now when we see some families in our community struggling with increased food and gas prices.” 

Now in its 18th year, the organization has raised an astounding grand total of $923,826.82 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 DESK 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.

The organization hosts fundraisers throughout the year including a golf tournament, online silent auction, participation in San Angelo Gives 24-hour, online giving event in May, and a Christmas decoration sale as well as fall school supply drives. 

San Angelo ISD extends sincere appreciation to DESK members and contributors for helping SAISD students receive the supplies they need and joining the District in supporting their hopes and dreams this school year and for the past 18 years. Thank you McDonald's, 1st Community Federal Credit Union, Dr. PepperSam's Club, KLST, San Angelo Standard-Times, Townsquare Media and our very own Central High School Key Club. For more information about DESK and how to join in their mission, visit, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page.

More About Donate Educational Supplies to Kids (DESK)

The mission of DESK is to ensure all SAISD students have the necessary school supplies to facilitate learning. DESK is composed of a group of local businesses who volunteer in fundraising efforts. Business sponsors include McDonald’s, 1st Community Federal Credit Union, Townsquare Media, San Angelo Standard Times, KLST, Dr. Pepper, Sam's Club, and the SAISD Central High School Key Club. Current Board members for DESK are Eric Wilson, Diane Wilson, Vicki Loso, Cheryl Book, Ken Grimm, Andy Maier and Jacklyn Ochoa. The DESK motto is "No child deserves an empty desk."