Texas A&M-Commerce alumni donate supplies to Mesquite teachers

MESQUITE, Texas - Mesquite Independent School District teachers received donated school supplies to help with the new school year.

Backpacks full of school items were handed out by Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni and faculty members Thursday.

A 2018 survey said 98 percent of teachers used their own money to buy supplies for students.

“You know, it’s gonna help. It’s gonna help that one kid,” said Linda Goodwin, a teacher at Terry Middle School. “Last year I calculated I spent over $700. That included pizza parties and what not. So far this year, I’ve probably spent about $500 just getting supplies and getting my classroom ready.”

Texas A&M University is also contributing school supplies to more than 450 new Mesquite ISD teachers to help get their first year started.