Everyone has seen the devastation from Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle. What is not as widely covered is the devastation through southern Georgia. Highlands has a seasonal resident in Bainbridge, Ga. where the loss and destruction are just as heartbreaking. The area is mostly independent farmland. Crops have been destroyed, power lost, houses destroyed, and area schools closed indefinitely. Potter Street Elementary School in Bainbridge is one of the most economically challenged schools even before Hurricane Michael. The students and teachers have lost everything – their school, homes, and most likely their jobs. The following items are being collected to help this school:
- Filled backpacks for students
- Filled plastic totes for teachers
- Gently used or new children’s books
- Letters and cards of encouragement
Below is a list of items needed in each backpack and tote. Please place all items in the backpack or tote and fill each with the minimum amounts asked for. Cards and letters need to be placed in envelopes with no writing on the envelope. Our goal is to send 310 student backpacks and 30 teacher totes!! Filled backpacks, plastic totes, letters/cards, and books can be dropped off at following locations: Highlands United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Community Bible Church, Highlands School, or Highlands Civic Center.
- All items are needed by Friday, Nov. 9
Sponsorships
If you would like to help but are not able to go shop, you can be a sponsor. To sponsor a filled Student Backpack a donation of $70 is needed. To sponsor a filled Teacher Tote a donation of $115 is needed. Checks may be made out to Highlands United Methodist Church with Backpack Project in the memo line. Please drop off monetary donations at the offices of HUMC.
Thank you, Brian, for spreading the news. We have 75 empty backpacks donated. We are working on filling those and hope to have more donations soon.