Facebook Fundraiser Used To Soften Budget Woes At Lincoln High School
LINCOLN (CBS13) - It's a reality many teachers are faced with in this economy, using their own money to pay for school supplies.
A Lincoln couple is using the power of Facebook to help soften the financial blow.
Here's a math problem for you, 11 schools, 325 teachers, 7000 students, subtract money for school supplies, and what do you have, teachers footing the bill.
Western Placer Unified School District teachers voted to eliminate their supply budget to save jobs.
"The majority of us were excited to help each other out. There was also the angst, but how are we going to supply our classroom when I don't have those funds," said Tara McCloskey, English teacher at Lincoln High School.
A Lincoln couple wanted to add money to the equation by multiplying donations.
"About 50 teachers touch your lives throughout kindergarten through high school level. So, I've never given back to those teachers," said Angie Brown.
So to give back, the Brown family came up with a Facebook page.
"It blew up immediately within the first three days over 100 likes," said Brown's husband.
Since then, donations have been flooding in.
"They have blessed so many classrooms and our students are going to benefit in incredible ways," said McCloskey.
"All my kids go to the school and it's something that's going on in the neighborhood," said Patrick Rhinehart, Pink Box Donuts owner.
Rhinehart stepped up by offering free donuts for a year to those making a $20 donation for the donut challenge.
"It's hard on the teachers. People don't realize how much come out of their own pocket to make it easier for our kids," said Rhinehart.
It's hundreds of dollars, or even more.
"Usually I spend $500 - $1000 of my own money. So anything the community can do to help is very much appreciated," said McCloskey.
The Browns are optimistic; the teacher's money math problem is solved.
"It's amazing. I almost started crying last night by everything going on and how amazingly wonderful our community is," said Brown.
They plan to make this a year round effort as teachers run out of supplies during the middle of the school year.
