Big Hearts Bring Big Bucks To D21 Students

Almost 50 percent; equitable education hangs in balance

The North Wasco County Education Foundation has received 46 donations in its COVID-19 relief fund, totalling $8,475, said Rebecca Thistlethwaite this morning.

The goal is to raise $20,000 through the website at northwascoed.org. The money will be split with $10,000 going to student technology and $10,000 going to student basic needs such as food.

Last week, Cody Harmon with the Columbia Gorge Education Service District said Google was willing to chip in some $40,000 to technology needs.

The Dalles High School Principal Kurt Evans also noted that 65 percent of high School students had engaged in some online school activity and 24 students had yet to be reached.

“Priority number one is enhanced tech access for all students,” said Thistlethwaite, Foundation and School board member.

“You can’t do distance learning if you do not have the device to participate,” she said of students without internet or computers. “This is to close the gap. Every child K through 12 should have a device and internet access. This is ensuring our promise that no kid is left behind.”

Tax-deductible donations can be made via a Paypal link found on their website, https://northwascoed.org/ or checks can be made to "Education Foundation of North Wasco County SD21" and mailed to: 3632 West 10th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058 Please write in the memo: COVID Response Fund.

“The antidote to feeling helpless is being helpful,” Thistlethwaite said.