Frank Scherer found inspiration to help the Tombstone Unified School District in an unlikely place: Craigslist.

As he scanned the online lists of merchandise, tickets and housing for rent, the Web site gave him the idea to develop something similar to help Tombstone’s schools.

He wanted to create a Teacher Wish List for the district — a site on which schools could list needed supplies and equipment, and Tombstone residents could donate whatever they couldto help.

Scherer, treasurer of the local St. Paul’s Episcopalian church, has a long history of helping people in need through his faith by working with the Episcopalian Community Services Diocese of Arizona, he said. But he knew he would need help from his church to advertise and encourage donations to make the WishList successful.

After months of consulting with an attorney and the school district, Scherer received permission to go ahead with the Wish List program in May. The district asked teachers what they would need for the upcoming school year, and the district created the Wish List on their Web site.

This fall marks the first semester of the program, and Scherer said they have collected $900 last month alone for supplies and equipment through large and small donations. 

“There’s a need (to make up for) the lack funds available to provide various items and supplies to the schools,” Frank said. “Teachers have to take it out of their paychecks. They have to pay for items out of their pockets.”

Scherer has also received grants on behalf on the church to buy supplies such as televisions and volleyball equipment for Huachuca City.

Items on the Wish list include dry erase markers, poster board, glue sticks, multiplication flash cards and a CD boom box.

“It’s actually been successful,” said Karl Uterhardt, superintendent of the Tombstone Unified School District. “We’ve had several donations. I think it’s a good program. It helps our teachers out. Anything that will help them in the classroom is what we want to do.”

The donations are divided up between each school unless the donation is specified for a certain school, Uterhardt said.  

Schools will prioritize their needs and buy supplies with the money, Uterhardt added.

“Schools are looking everywhere to where they can find money, where can they find funding?” Uterhardt said. “This is a good way for the community and the church to help out. You don’t have to give a lot of money. Anything you want to give would be very useful in the supply area for what kids need.”

The wish list is available to view online at www.tombstoneschools.org, under the “news” link, and donations are accepted at the district office at 815 E. Fremont St. or by mail at P.O. Box 1000, Tombstone, Ariz. 85638