Gift of Time, Materials, or Money

Ways to Contribute

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Contributing to a child's welfare takes many forms. Not all have the time or energy to work directly with a child at the school. There are, however, ways in which you can make a difference in the life a child who is blind or deaf. One way to help is through a donation. While some might choose to contribute time through our volunteer program, others prefer to leave money for a "favorite" purpose, and still others offer the school a gift of materials or equipment. 

Financial Support— FAQ's

Why does CSDB need money?

Like any not-for-profit agency, the list of wants/needs always exceeds the allocated budget. Donations help to provide additional materials, equipment, and educational opportunities that the operating monies don't cover.

How much should I donate?

Any amount of time or money is welcome. The school or a department can pool funds to purchase larger quantities of materials or more expensive equipment. Larger donations (i.e., from an estate) can be set up as a trust with specific spending criteria or restrictions designated by the donor.

How is the money used from donations or trust funds?

Some of the purchases made possible by donations include books for the library, braillers for students who are blind, new technology for classrooms, materials/equipment to be used in the residential areas, adaptive equipment for kids with special needs, and student scholarships.

Can I designate how I would like my donation used?

Absolutely! You may choose to specify where your contributions are spent or you may simply make a donation to be used for the benefit of the students at CSDB. Designated contributions can be made to any of the following areas, to name just a few:

• School for the Deaf: Elem/MS
• School for the Blind: K-12 (including transition)
• Secondary/Post-Secondary Education Services for the Deaf
• Student Life/Residential Department

 

Specials Gifts — FAQ's

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Occasionally someone wishes to donate a specific item(s) to the school. This year the School for the Blind received the gift of a wonderful organ.  If you are interested in donating an item you think might be of use to the students at the school, you are welcome to contact the individual listed below. A member of the staff generally reviews the item(s). If we can't make the best use of it, we'll help you locate someone who can.

Volunteer Support — FAQ's

CSDB does have a volunteer program. Since our students have special needs, the criteria for being a volunteer is sometimes very specific. We recognize that volunteers are a valuable resource on which we depend, and we place individuals for the mutual benefit of both the volunteer and the students.

How are volunteers used at CSDB?  

Currently community members serve as braille transcribers in their homes while others tutor students in specific areas at the school during the day and in the evenings. There are also opportunities to assist in classes for the Deaf where the necessary American Sign Language (ASL)  requirements are met. Other volunteers support teachers in classes with students who are Blind/Visually Impaired. Sometimes being a volunteer  means "being a kid yourself again." Our after-school program and evening programs also offer times when individuals may help out later in the day.

Whom should I contact for further information?

For information or an application, contact  Christine Vidal at 719-578-2244 or at cvidal@csdb.org