Local group helps schools with supplies

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Last year, John Mika opened up The Teacher's Desk in order to help under privileged kids get school supplies.

His efforts continue again this year with five schools and 60 to 70 teachers scheduled to come in on Tuesday, each receiving roughly $500 in supplies. Lady of Hope School at St. Luke's Mission of Mercy took a field trip there.

"St Luke's is invited because it's a special school and it's in the heart of the east side and it's the highest poverty levels in Buffalo," Mika said. "If you look at the kids they do great work. The teachers get very little for what they do. So I thought I would do something special for the school to get a good start to the year."

The supplies provided come from donations. Mika invites schools that have 70 percent or greater eligibility for the federal reduced lunch program.

Pam Krzanowicz, Educational Coordinator of Our Lady of Hope School at St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, said, "A lot of families that can't provide for their children so for them to come here to get a new back pack, new crayons, and new pencils is like Christmas to them."

"Well it's just hard to explain. It's really exciting," said seventh grader Joe Marciniak.

Not only were students given supplies, but new shoes and clothes, too.

"St. Luke's, these kids have nothing. We have several kids that have duct tape on their sneakers. Another school, West Buffalo Charter School, we are giving the entire student body a pair of Crocs," said Mika.

"Without the help of [The Teacher's Desk], we wouldn't have everything we needed for school," said Marissa Marinaro, a third grader.

For more information on The Teacher's Desk, click here.