Rain, rain, go away…. This was our exact sentiment when we saw the forecast for The Chatham County Schools’ (CCS) Back-to-School Bash event scheduled for August 20th. Chatham Education Foundation, CCS staff and a dedicated group of volunteers put countless hours into making this event a fun and successful family day out. The decision was not made lightly, but our Chatham County Schools’ family’s safety was of the utmost importance. So, with heavy hearts, the event was canceled.
Our community had come together to donate thousands of school supplies for the students in Chatham County. So, we did not allow the event cancellation to stop us from still making a difference for those students who need school supplies to begin their school year prepared for success!
The Back-to-School Bash team did what was needed, we pivoted. On short notice we set up a distribution center in one of the CCS warehouses, gathered some amazing volunteers and stuffed book bags with school supplies. The CCS school social workers arrived with the student counts that had a dire need for school supplies. We filled the book bags with the needed supplies and loaded them into the social workers’ vehicles. That day, we distributed over 350 book bags. Another volunteer day is scheduled to finish packing the remaining book bags and get the supplies into the hands of students. These backpacks will be available to all school social workers when they hear of a need.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, community donors, and the following business sponsors who helped make this event possible: Chatham County Schools, Chatham Reads, MOSAIC at Chatham Park, Duke Energy, David Weekley Homes, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Connie Fenner State Farm, O’YA Cantina, PORCH – Briar Chapel, and Fearrington Village Carolina Club.
Never think that one small act of kindness will not make a difference; when we all come together, a great impact is made! Thank you for making a difference!
