Desks by Dads: Families help get desks to kids in need for remote learning

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — With the transition from in classroom to remote learning, students are trying to find a place they can work.

Many times kitchen tables or coffee tables are stand-ins for classroom desks. Sometimes a lap or the floor is all that’s available in homes where furniture may be considered a luxury that can’t be afforded.

But one family in Maryland is hoping to give children in need a workspace to call their own, WRC reported.

Jessica Berrellez and her husband Al are giving away student desks for free, WTTG reported.

They started by collecting desks, then started to build them, WRC reported.

Berrellez’s husband came up with a design and a prototype.

Now friends and neighbors are building the desks, while still being parents and working. The desks are provided at no cost to those who need them and the supplies are donated, WTTG reported.

So far the group the couple started, “Desk by Dads,” has built at least 29 desks.

On Sept. 13 the group will be holding a build day where volunteers can build desks and fulfill the needs on the waiting list.

Cox Media Group