Students In Need Of Scientific Calculators, Graphing Paper

Research shows if students are not interested in science, technology, engineering, and math by the time they enter high school, they likely won’t develop a taste for the subjects at all.

That is why Time Warner Cable is targeting middle school-aged children in its school supply donation drive, “Collect 2 Connect.”

Officials are hoping to collect supplies like such as scientific calculators, graphing paper, and pens and pencils. “Scientific calculators are on sale right now — some for $10 at different stores; it just depends on the grade,” said Kelcey Wells, the spokeswoman for Time Warner Cable.

While the cable company is looking for new calculators, Wells admits they will take used ones, too.

“Sometimes engineering students or high school math students upgrade to a TI-89 and the TI-82 is just sitting there,” Wells surmised, adding that the calculators can be donated in original packaging or alternative packaging if the box isn’t available.

The school supplies will then be donated to kids getting help with the Boys & Girls Club of El Paso. Currently 1,200 middle school-aged kids participate in the Boys and & Girls Club. Officials there are hoping to receive enough supplies for each of those children.

“It’s always a struggle every year,” Isaac Hernandez, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club, said. “A lot of our kids go to school ready to learn, but they fall behind. And the reason they fall behind is because of school supplies.”

Donations can be dropped off at Time Warner Cable’s retail locations at 710 Airport Rd. Road and 6510 N. Mesa and the Boys & Girls Club at 801 S. Florence.

Supplies will be collected until Wednesday, Aug. 25.