Superior's Angel Fund declines during pandemic

Maria Lockwood, Superior Telegram, Wis.
·2 min read

Dec. 7—The Superior School District is seeking angels to ensure all students have access to the same educational opportunities.

Donations to the district's Angel Fund have plummeted during the pandemic, while the need has risen.

Since it was launched in January 2018, the Angel Fund has covered expenses for students who need financial support for everything from overdue lunch balances and field trip costs to course fees and calculators. 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.

Those funds are needed now more than ever, educators say.

"As a result of people being out of work during the pandemic, whether they were laid off or ill or caretaking for others, we're seeing an increased need for financial support," said Amy Warring, the district's family services coordinator. "Families are heavily burdened by the inflated prices for everything from food to gas. School supplies, the clothing to attend school, and money for activities are things many families have had to eliminate from their budgets."

Donations to the fund were $1,520 in 2018. Contributions jumped to $7,420 in 2019 and $10,650 in 2020, Warring said. Gifts fell to $2,660 in 2021.

"During the holiday season, people are usually looking for ways to give back to their community, and we want to encourage them to give to the Angel Fund so we can work together to support our children and youth," Warring said.

Principals, deans of students, school counselors and school social workers fill out a request for Angel Fund resources once they become aware of a student need. Requests that are straightforward are quickly fulfilled. Others receive a confidential review by a committee before funds are used.

Online donations can be made at https://superior.epaytrak.com/; donors can also mail or drop off a check made out to the Angel Fund to 3025 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880. Donors can request that their gift go toward a specific need or school.

"Most people make a general donation because they want the funds to go wherever the need is greatest," Warring said.

Visit the district's Angel Fund page or contact Warring at 715-394-8738 or amy.warring@superior.k12.wi.us. for more information about the program.