A friend of ours teaches special needs children in a high poverty school here in Winston-Salem.  She's signed up on DonorsChoose.org to raise a couple of hundred dollars for some equipment she needs for her class.  Here's the description:

"I teach middle school students with moderate intellectual cognitive disabilities, mild physical disabilities and/or mild to moderate autistic tendencies. My 30 students are unable to read grade leveled materials but LOVE to read. My program's number one goal is to get my students to become readers and writers and most importantly to LOVE SCHOOL!

We graduated to middle school but all of our technology was left behind!!! I moved up to the middle school with my students, however, with budget cuts there is no money for my "new classroom". During their elementary years, my students had daily access to specialized computer programs, adaptive hardware and the opportunity to learn computer applications in a small group setting. This year, we have are not so lucky. My goal is to have my students write, edit and publish self created books weekly. Due to the numerous physical and cognitive limitations of my students, they need to write books at a pre-K level and read books presented in a variety of formats, ranging from paper to computer. I am in need of materials to save and print student created PowerPoint books. Some of my students are capable of paper copies, however, others will need to read their books on their home computers and will need a way of "bringing home" their published work. Once home, my students will be able to share their love of books with their families.

I am in need of paper, computer ink, book binding combs and several thumb drives. With these materials, my students will be able to participate in a weekly literacy lesson which will produce a book that is not only accessible, but interesting and appropriate for all of my students with moderate cognitive delays.

MY STUDENTS NEED YOU!! With your support, you will give my students access to the world of literature.

My students need two reams of paper, computer ink, book binding combs, and four memory sticks. The cost of this proposal is $256, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ."