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

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.