KILLEEN — Receiving a new desk can mean so much to a child, especially if it's their first. Thanks to the Great American Co., 150 students in Killeen were able receive new desks.
The ones who got to take home a new desk were either academically succeeding or economically disadvantaged.
For two sisters, they each got their own desks because of good grades. Anissa Hazel, in fifth grade, and Anaiya Hazel-Clark, in second grade, are thrilled to having their own space.
Before they had a small kitchen table they would do homework on together, but they were distracting each other from ever getting work done.
"We had homework and our brothers had work to do. We had to sit at the table and the table was a little crowded," Anaiyha said.
Upon hearing that her daughters were doing so well in school that they were able to receive new desks, their mom Calathia Hazel was more than ecstatic.
"It just gave me a pat on my back to know the hard work, the late nights it's all been worth it," Calathia said.
The owner of Great American Co., George Lastiri, couldn't help but want to give back. This also wasn't his first time donating desks to KISD students. He previously gave desks to Bellaire and Brookhaven Elementary students.
"The kids, you know, we give you this because we want you to be better I want you to have a better future," Lastiri said.
Lastiri said he doesn't see himself stopping anytime soon. He grew up doing his homework on the floor and kitchen table. School counselor Judy Hughes said when children have to do this every day and they don't have their own space, it can impede on their learning.
Hughes is filled with love seeing her students overjoyed with the new gifts.
"Oh my gosh my heart is so touched our students and families their hearts are so touched," Hughes said.
With Anissa and Anaiyha, they are putting their desks to good use and mom is happy to see her children continue to strive.
"And not have their sibling there, so it's given them more time to actually focus just a little bit better," Hazel said.
