Detroit school's plea for donations gets nationwide response

Detroit Public Schools officials have received calls from donors as far away as Albuquerque, N.M., and Washington, D.C., after a school sent a letter to parents that it couldn't afford toilet paper, light bulbs and other necessities. Principals across the district and other school officials say the problem goes beyond the Academy of the Americas, the school that sent parents a letter asking for trash can liners, toilet paper, paper towels and light bulbs. School board members have since demanded a plan for distributing supplies to schools. To read The Detroit News article, click here. EARLIER: A school in the financially reeling Detroit district is asking for donations of toilet paper and light bulbs. Administrators at the Academy of the Americas sent a letter home with students asking parents and others to donate items "that are of the utmost importance for proper school functioning and most importantly for student health and safety"--including light bulbs, trash bags, paper towel rolls and toilet paper. Because of the district's "budgetary constraints," officials no longer are able to supply the necessities. The request angered some parents who believe it could unfairly burden them during the continuing economic slump. To read The Detroit News article, click here.