Program Provides Some Relief For Teachers, Students
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: August 16, 2012
Members of the Abilene Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) loaded up with notebooks and pencils tonight.
They plan to donate the supplies and money to Abilene schools.
Members of the program have been doing this for the past four years now, however, as economic struggles continue, they've seen a larger need from students and teachers.
Shina Mullins' classroom is slowly becoming a place that students can look forward to coming to on their first day of class.
"I've been setting up furniture, I have lots of books in my classroom," she said.
She's been working on decorating her classroom for the past week to ensure they feel at home.
Of course, her schools budget doesn't include her parents old lamp or her her colorful chairs, but
She doesn't mind dipping into her own wallet from time to time for the decor.
"It just makes them feel like they're a part of your classroom if they can have their own supplies," said the ACU graduate.
However, she is greatful for any donations, especially for that first day.
You will have some children who will show up without those supplies so that's why I always like to have those on hand.
Members of the Abilene Leaders of Tomorrow noticed the needs- and are lending a helping hand.
They've donated hundreds of supplies and dollars for teachers like Mullins.
"Well the education of our kids is the most important thing that there is," said Dwayne Dacus, a member of the organization whose been a part of the school supplies drive since its start four years ago.
All of the books and donations will go specifically to title one schools like Bonham Elementary whose students typically have more financial needs.
"I think that with everything that's going on in the economy today that the need for supplying our future with the tools that they need for their education is of utmost importance," said Dacus.
Its the 26th year for Mullins, but each one is just as special which is exactly how she wants her students to feel.
"I love to see the faces of my kids when they walk in and see the classroom," she said.
Although schools don't officially start until Aug. 27, teachers like have been preparing for weeks to ensure their students feel welcome.
They plan to donate the supplies and money to Abilene schools.
Members of the program have been doing this for the past four years now, however, as economic struggles continue, they've seen a larger need from students and teachers.
Shina Mullins' classroom is slowly becoming a place that students can look forward to coming to on their first day of class.
"I've been setting up furniture, I have lots of books in my classroom," she said.
She's been working on decorating her classroom for the past week to ensure they feel at home.
Of course, her schools budget doesn't include her parents old lamp or her her colorful chairs, but
She doesn't mind dipping into her own wallet from time to time for the decor.
"It just makes them feel like they're a part of your classroom if they can have their own supplies," said the ACU graduate.
However, she is greatful for any donations, especially for that first day.
You will have some children who will show up without those supplies so that's why I always like to have those on hand.
Members of the Abilene Leaders of Tomorrow noticed the needs- and are lending a helping hand.
They've donated hundreds of supplies and dollars for teachers like Mullins.
"Well the education of our kids is the most important thing that there is," said Dwayne Dacus, a member of the organization whose been a part of the school supplies drive since its start four years ago.
All of the books and donations will go specifically to title one schools like Bonham Elementary whose students typically have more financial needs.
"I think that with everything that's going on in the economy today that the need for supplying our future with the tools that they need for their education is of utmost importance," said Dacus.
Its the 26th year for Mullins, but each one is just as special which is exactly how she wants her students to feel.
"I love to see the faces of my kids when they walk in and see the classroom," she said.
Although schools don't officially start until Aug. 27, teachers like have been preparing for weeks to ensure their students feel welcome.
