Started more than 30 years ago by Tom Guild, a former WPS student, who became an attorney, and professor of law in Oklahoma, Tommy’s Fund exists to support students with basic needs, including clothing, shoes, and other household supplies. Tom began his work at Payne Elementary school where he was once a student by walking through the door in 1996 and asking a simple question “are there students whose basic needs aren’t being met?” The rest was history. What started as a small act of kindness has now expanded to providing basic needs for students across the entire district. How it works: Any WPS social worker, counselor or psychologist can fill out a simple request form at any time for emergency funding from the Wichita Public Schools Foundation. Requests are reviewed within 72 hours by WPSF staff and Program Specialist for Social Workers.

• • These requests are as varied as the students we serve with one thing in common – removing a barrier to student success.
  • What Tommy’s Fund provides:
    • Transportation – we help with emergency funding for simple car repairs, or with uber gift cards to help get students to school on-time
    • Shelter – is a basic need, and requests for rental assistance, utility payment and emergency shelter like temporary hotel stays close the gap for students.
    • Clothing – tennis shoes and winter coats for students who walk to school or extra clothing for emergency situations remove barriers
    • Food – for families experiencing housing insecurity, food gift cards and non-perishables provide students with what they need to come to school ready to learn.
  • If you or someone you know could benefit from Tommy’s Fund, please reach out to your student’s social worker for help.