‘Give a Kid a Chance’ giving more this year
An important deadline is approaching for parents who want their children to benefit from the Give a Kid a Chance (GAKAC) program.
Registration forms were recently sent home to be filled out and signed. They must be returned to the school, or mailed to Give a Kid a Chance, P.O. Box 74, Loretto, by Monday, May 20.
GAKAC is a great success story in Lawrence County. It started three years ago, modeled after similar programs in Texas, Georgia, and nearby Florence, Alabama. Kindergarten through 12th grade students who are registered come to an event just before the school year begins to get lunch, a new backpack filled with school supplies, a new outfit and shoes, a Bible, vision and hearing screenings, sports physicals, and a haircut, all free of charge.
Professionals willing to donate their time and an interdenominational partnership of local churches are keys to the program’s success. In 2017 GAKAC began in three South Lawrence schools, involving 12 local churches and 280 children. In 2018, 22 churches served 420. This year, churches in the Lawrence County Baptist Association that were not already involved will be, bringing the total number of congregations to 40-plus.
This partnership and growing involvement from businesses and civic organizations means more students can get 2019-20 off to a good start. GAKAC expects to serve about 1,200 students this year, with enrollment open at all public schools and Sacred Heart Elementary in Loretto and Lawrenceburg.
The Give a Kid a Chance event is set for July 27, 2019, but a location has not been chosen. Parents will receive postcards with details about the time and place prior to the event.
Want to help? First, ask if your church is involved. You can join its work or serve as your congregation’s GAKAC liaison and get fellow members involved as well. New backpacks can be filled with supplies for elementary or middle/high school students – lists for each are under “Forms” at GiveAKidAChanceLC.org. New school clothes in every size are needed. You can also donate money, because shopping must be done to fill specific student needs.
Volunteers will be needed before, during, and after the July 27 event. All over age 14 are welcome, and credit will be given to students who are earning Tennessee Promise hours.
More volunteer leaders are needed so GAKAC can help students all year, said Board member and Busby Church of God pastor Paul Dyar. The plan is to provide supplies, clothing and more to those in need through the school system’s Resource Center.
If you know a family that needs assistance for the school year to come, please make sure they get the GAKAC form filled out, signed and returned by May 20. Those who need it most may miss this article or the distribution at school.
For more information, visit the GAKAC website or call 931-225-8523.