Mar 6th, 2009 | YUMA, Ariz. — “No money — please donate supplies.” That’s the desperate plea an elementary school in Yuma (YOO’-ma), Ariz., has posted on its marquee.

Carver Elementary School Principal Debra Drysdale says the message is no joke — and it’s working. She estimates that the school has received $500 to $700 in donations from community members, parents and people who just happened to be driving by.

The principal says the funds the school uses to buy office supplies and replace equipment and furniture have been depleted. She says teachers are buying supplies for their classrooms and saving money by shutting off lights and returning district-supplied cell phones.

I’m sure everyone by now has noticed my own sad little beggar’s cup…