Can I donate an actual desk instead of making a
financial contribution?
At this time we request that all donations be cash contributions
(see How to Donate page of this website for details).
We want to provide our students with new desks that are
specifically manufactured for student needs.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is completely tax deductible. A $60 donation will underwrite the cost of one Desk for Success, but donations of any amount are welcome. After you make a donation, you will receive a thank-you letter from McIntosh Middle School acknowledging your gift. The letter will state the amount of your donation and will serve as an official receipt for tax purposes.
Can I make my donation online?
At this time Desks for Success is unable to process donations online, but we are working to offer this option in the very near future.
Can my donation help students at a school other than McIntosh Middle School?
McIntosh Middle School was carefully chosen as our pilot site. We hope to expand to other Sarasota County schools and perhaps eventually beyond the county, but at this time we are focusing on one school as the project gets off the ground.
How are the students who receive a Desk for Success selected?
Students are chosen based on recommendations from teachers, administrators and guidance counselors at McIntosh Middle School. The students are selected based on an evaluation of their individual situation to determine who will most benefit from receiving a donation from Desks for Success. These decisions are made carefully and the process is completely confidential until the recipients are chosen.
How soon after I send my donation does a student receive their desk?
We strive to get students their new desks as soon as possible after a donation is received. We anticipate it will take a few weeks after receiving a donation before the student is presented with a new desk. As we refine our processes we hope to shorten that time period.
Where are the desks purchased?
After an extensive search of furniture manufacturers and retailers, Desks for Success has partnered with a local retailer to supply our desks.
Do the desks come assembled?
Because Desks for Success is a student-based organization, part of the mission is to have active student participation. All desks are delivered to McIntosh Middle School unassembled. Students in various clubs and teams, such as the McIntosh Leadership Team, will assemble the desks. Each student who is selected to receive a desk will be given a fully assembled desk.
