Dallas schools relying on donations to help rebuild classrooms, help families after tornado

Boxes of school supplies rolled into Thomas Jefferson High School early Wednesday morning as students and staff cobbled together what they could to make a once-empty campus their new home.

The donations are critical for Dallas schools as officials try to get classes as close to normal as possible after a tornado destroyed three campuses: TJ, Cary Middle School and Walnut Hill Elementary.

Needs are still being assessed as officials try to help teachers rebuild classrooms and identify families who may have lost everything.

DISD officials say they’ve been overwhelmed by those seeking to help and have set up a tornado relief fund through the Dallas Education Foundation.

“There’s been so much interest, and we’re grateful for it,” Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa said. The foundation “gives us the most flexibility. A lot of people have stepped up and offered to help — but we’re just trying to get ourselves organized. And we needed to go fast, and it’s hard to go fast when you’re pulling people in.”

School supplies and gift cards, preferably in $25-30 increments, are also being sought. Gift cards can be mailed to 9400 N. Central Expressway, Box 21.

DISD is accepting small boxes of new school supplies at the following locations weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

— Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, 1700 E. Camp Wisdom Road

— Turney W. Leonard Training Center, 5151 Samuel Blvd.

— One Center at Linus Wright Administration Building, 9400 N. Central Expressway, first floor

Those wanting to volunteer must register online at https://dallasisd.voly.org and can contact the district’s partnership and volunteer services at volunteer@dallasisd.org for opportunities and times.

Meanwhile, other groups and even former teachers have collected items and money to help staff at displaced campuses to rebuild their resources.

Staff writer Corbett Smith contributed to this report.