COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia’s second largest school district has several affluent communities, but did you know more than 40 percent of Cobb County students rely on free or reduced lunches?
Every week since March, 300 families come to Blackwell Elementary School to box up a food box. Teachers and the school's principal all volunteer to help out.
It’s just one example of the widespread need in Cobb County.
At Blackwell, families lined up to get their breakfast and lunches for the week.
Ike Reighard is pastor at Piedmont Church and president of Must Ministries.
“Many of those children who are already receiving help from Must Ministries, their parents have lost their jobs,” Reighard said.
More than 113,000 students attend Cobb County schools.
Last year, social workers carried a caseload of nearly 1,700 homeless students, and they anticipate a higher count this year. And, a greater need.
“Of course, WSB and Condace Pressley is known for stuffing the bus. And you guys help so many families,” Reighard said.
Due to the pandemic, Stuff The Bus is virtual this year.
[PLEASE HELP: Stuff The Bus supply drive goes virtual this year]
Those precious school supplies we get every summer, will help kids like 4th grader Layla Gribb.
In a letter she says:
“Some parents and teachers may not be able to pay for these things. It is important for students to have all the supplies they need. We can’t learn properly without them.”
“When you’re stuffing the bus, when you’re helping to do that process, or you’re helping in backpack program, you are helping families with the most basic needs, that their children have when it comes to learning,” Reighard said.
Since March 16, Must Ministries has given out more than 738,000 meals through its different outreach programs.
Cox Media Group
