Pandemic Causes Problems For Superior Schools’ Angel Fund

Chalk up another problem related to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and it comes when its need is greater than ever.

Donations to the Superior School District's Angel Fund have dried up over the last year.  That decline has caused the district to reach out to the community looking for help in jump starting the charitable fund and the effort.

The fund was started back in 2018.  Donated money is used by school officials to cover the expenses and provide financial support for a variety of school-related items - "everything from overdue lunch balances and field trip costs to course fees and calculators". An article in the Superior Telegram [paywall] also outlines the deeper need and the ways in which the Angel Fund can provide:

"The money has purchased winter outerwear for elementary students to wear during recess; gym shoes; activity fees; food assistance; an SD card for a student in a digital photography class; and even scrubs for a student in a CNA class."

Funds are distributed by using an established internal process that involved principals, teachers, school staff members, counselors, etc. Those school officials "fill out a request for Angel Fund resources once they become aware of a student in need". Everything is kept confidential.

Funding comes in from donations from the community.  In the past few years, there has been enough money to cover the necessary needs of students.  "Donations to the fund were $1,520 in 2018.  Contributions jumped to $7,420 in 2019 and $10,650 in 2020."  This year - as a symptom of the pandemic, donations have only totaled $2,660.  That low number is troubling especially as the need has been greater this year than any year in the past.

If you'd like to donate there are two main ways to do that:  either by dropping off the donation as a check made out to 'Angel Fund' at the district headquarters:  3025 Tower Avenue or by visiting the website:  superior.epaytrak.com. Questions can be directed to 715-394-8738.