Our Needs
Ways to help us rebuild and keep going
Parents who grow to love River Tech, and community members who want to support a school they believe is doing something worthwhile, often ask if there’s a way they can help. Here is our honest list. Some are in a position to help in a big way; others with something smaller — and every gift, at every size, is received with real gratitude.
Starting from scratch, after the fire
On March 15th we lost our building and almost everything inside — instruments, robotics kits, microphones, speakers, the mixer, curriculum, classroom supplies. Insurance covered about 20% of what we lost. We’re rebuilding the classroom from the ground up.
The fastest way to help is through our post-fire recovery fund. Gifts there go directly toward the curriculum, books, and materials we need right now to keep classes running.
Our Biggest Needs
If you or someone you know is in a position to help with one of these, it would change what we can do for our students.
A full-size school bus
Our current bus is very old and on the edge of breakdown. We use it for P.E. and field trips almost every week. Replacing it would be the single biggest help anyone could give us.
Large passenger vans
12–15 seater vans. We have one, and we need more. With a second and third van, we can split groups and run outings without renting.
Classroom tech equipment
Classroom-grade 3D printers, robotics kits, and iPad minis. These are the heart of our technology program and we lost ours in the fire.
Instruments
Electric pianos (keyboards), guitars, and baritone ukuleles. The fire took every instrument we had.
Quality student chairs
We’re still short about ten cushioned student chairs, and the school is growing. Comfortable seating matters when children are in classes for hours at a time.
Donate Supplies by Category
We welcome new items and gently used items in quality, classroom-ready condition. Email learn@rivertech.me and we’ll coordinate pickup or drop-off.
Books
- Children’s Bibles and easy-to-read Bibles
- Chapter book series: Pinkalicious, Junie B. Jones, Fancy Nancy, superhero books, and similar
- Bob Books (phonics sets)
- Leveled, early, and phonics readers
- Middle school series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Wings of Fire, and similar
Musical Instruments
- Keyboards
- Guitars
- Ukuleles
- Drums
Technology
- Charging station power strip towers
- Extension cords
- Headphones
- Laptop and tablet chargers
- TVs
- Robotics kits (VEX GO, LEGO Mindstorms)
- 3D printers
- Tablets and laptops
Stage Equipment
- Mixer
- Microphones
- Speakers
- Lights
Film Equipment
- Cameras
- Tripods
- Studio lights
- Gimbals
- Green screens
STEM Toys
- LEGO bricks, building parts (houses, vehicles, wheels), base plates, figurines
- LEGO storage table
- STEM building toys (ages 6–12): construction sets, fort-building kits, gears, magnets
- Snap Circuits kits
Arts & Crafts
- Perler beads, pegboards, storage containers, iron
- Air-dry clay (new)
- Pyrography supplies: wood-burning tools, wood pieces, protective gloves, heat-resistant mats
- Kinetic sand (new)
- Glue guns and glue
- Jewelry-making kits
- Acrylic paint, paintbrushes, canvas
Furniture
- White cubical shelves (6–12 cubbies)
- Boxes that fit inside the cubicles
Indoor Play & Gym
- Mini indoor trampoline
- Bean bags
- Floor cushions
- Gymnastics beam
- Balance beam
- Gymnastics mats
Sports Equipment (PE)
- Basketballs, volleyballs, dodgeballs
- Badminton and tennis rackets and balls
- Capture the flag game set
- Other indoor and outdoor group game equipment
Cleaning Supplies
- Vacuum cleaners (clean and in good condition)
Whether you can offer a bus, a box of books, or a monthly gift — thank you. Every contribution helps us keep doing this work for the children in our community.