You've likely seen small donation boxes at checkout counters around town—but did you know they’re fueling a brighter future for Borrego Springs students?

Borrego Springs businesses are stepping up to support local education, and you can be part of the movement! Through a simple act of generosity, shoppers now have the opportunity to invest in the future of Borrego’s students—right at the register.

Basic Assistance to Students in the Community (BASIC) has teamed up with local businesses to place donation boxes where every dollar makes a difference. From Early Education programs to the Learning Academy and Scholarships, these contributions fuel life-changing opportunities for students of all ages.

By shopping local and dropping a donation into the BASIC box, customers help ensure young learners in Borrego Springs receive the support they need to succeed – from Cradle to Graduation! This initiative fosters a community-wide commitment to education, making every purchase more than just a transaction—it’s an investment in the future.

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." – Frederick Douglass. 

For a decade, BASIC’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) has sparked a love for reading in Borrego Springs, placing high-quality books into the hands of our youngest learners. What started as the only DPIL program in San Diego County has since inspired others, including San Diego and Julian, to follow suit.

Thanks to generous donors and state funding, 89 children are currently enrolled in our DPIL program—double the national average! California’s Bill 1183, passed in 2022, ensures statewide support for literacy, allowing BASIC to expand its reach and impact.

To foster inclusivity, bilingual (English/Spanish) books became an option in June 2024, with an overwhelming majority of parents choosing them. Since 2015, BASIC has supported 239 children, delivering over 5,243 books—enough to outstretch Borrego’s iconic Serpent Sculpture!

​Each child’s journey begins with The Little Engine That Could, embodying Dolly Parton’s own determination, and ends with So Now You Are Going to Kindergarten, preparing them for their next chapter.

Behind the numbers are stories like baby Dylan, whose love for reading blossomed through DPIL. His favorite books? Anything featuring dinosaurs or Godzilla! He’s now continuing his literacy journey through BASIC’s Latino Family Literacy Project.

Want to spread the joy of reading?

• Sponsor a child: Just $32.10 provides a year of books! Donate at borregobasic.org/donate.html.
• Share the opportunity: An estimated 80 more eligible children in Borrego Springs could benefit from DPIL—help us reach them!

Catch our DPIL webinar recording at borregobasic.org/webinar-series.html and join us in turning the page on brighter futures.
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A heartfelt thank you to our donors and partners—the California State Library, Dr. Seuss Foundation, San Diego Foundation, Friends of the Library, and Linda Stanley. Your generosity fuels this remarkable 10-year journey!

This year, 53 students applied for BASIC Scholarships, eager to pursue their educational dreams. After careful review, 49 scholarships will be awarded, reinforcing BASIC’s commitment to supporting local scholars. A total of $93,150 will be awarded for the 2025-26 academic year, including named scholarships generously funded by our supporters.

We are thrilled to introduce three new named scholarships this year:

• Barbara Coates & Martha Deichler Scholarships – Supporting future educators in good academic standing.
• Gary Bezer & Lise Fleury Scholarship – Recognizing outstanding academic achievement, regardless of field.

Currently, BASIC scholarships support graduating Borrego Springs High School seniors and adults with ties to the community, funding vocational, two-year, and four-year programs, along with select fifth-year credential programs in fields such as nursing and teaching.

Want to learn more about BASIC Scholarships? Visit our website at borregobasic.org/scholarships.html for details on eligibility, application timelines, and ways to support this program.
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A heartfelt thank you to donors like you! Your generosity makes these scholarships possible, empowering students and shaping the future of our community.