DeSoto ISD Highlights Impact of Texas Trust Gives Grant Through “Eagle Den” Student Support Initiative
DeSoto Independent School District is proud to share the impact of a recent grant awarded by Texas Trust Gives Foundation, which has directly supported students and families through the Districtwide Uniform & Winterwear Closet, known as the “Eagle Den.”
Located within Student Support Service, the Eagle Den serves as a vital resource for students across the district, providing access to school uniforms and essential winter clothing. Through this initiative, the district has been able to remove barriers to attendance, engagement, and academic success for students in need.
During the 2025–2026 school year, the Eagle Den directly served 60 students, distributing 20 coats and 40 winterwear items, including hats, scarves, and gloves. Funded by a $4,000 Texas Trust Gives grant, this initiative represents a new partnership that has significantly expanded the district’s ability to meet student needs.
Campus counselors serve as the primary point of contact for identifying students in need, ensuring timely and equitable access to resources. Since receiving the grant, the Eagle Den’s inventory has continued to grow through additional community donations, further increasing its capacity to support at-risk students.
Funded in part by the Texas Trust Gives grant, the Eagle Den has expanded its reach and capacity, ensuring that more students are equipped with the clothing they need to feel confident, prepared, and included in the school environment.
Access to school uniforms does more than meet a basic need; it plays a critical role in shaping the student experience. By ensuring all scholars have appropriate, consistent attire, the Eagle Den helps reduce social pressures and eliminate visible economic differences that can lead to stigma or exclusion. Students are able to engage more freely with their peers, participate without self-consciousness, and focus their energy on learning rather than navigating concerns about appearance or belonging.
Uniform access also strengthens inclusivity across campuses. When every student arrives dressed for success, it fosters a shared sense of identity and unity, reinforcing that all scholars are part of the same community regardless of their circumstances. This sense of belonging is directly tied to increased confidence, improved behavior, and stronger academic engagement.
“This partnership has made a meaningful difference for our students and families,” said DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Student Support Services Dr. Gene Morrow. “When we remove barriers tied to basic needs, we create space for students to show up fully: socially, emotionally, and academically.”
The Eagle Den supports a diverse population of students and reflects the district’s commitment to meeting the whole-child needs of every learner. Families across DeSoto ISD have benefited from the program, which operates with dignity, care, and a focus on removing stigma often associated with accessing assistance.
Beyond its immediate impact, the initiative underscores the importance of community partnerships in advancing student success. The support from Texas Trust Gives demonstrates how strategic investments can create lasting change at the local level.
The Eagle Den reflects DeSoto ISD’s commitment to meeting the whole-child needs of every learner while strengthening community partnerships that create lasting impact.
For more information, visit www.desotoisd.org.
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