Local church donates $10K to Columbia County schools

MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A local church donated $10,000 to the Columbia County School District on Friday.

Abilene Baptist Church presented the $10,000 donation to Dr. Steven Flynt, superintendent of Columbia County School District, in a ceremony at 9:15 a.m. at the Columbia County Board of Education building.

“It takes a village to raise a child. So, the education system, as far as our district, is one element that truly takes the community in order to achieve success and actually allow that child an opportunity for true student achievement,” said Dr. Dana Bing, Director of School Nutrition at Columbia County schools.

The donation will help eliminate lunch account debts, ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals.

“Our church has always been committed to serving the community and making a positive impact in the lives of those we can reach. We hope that our contribution will not only clear these debts but also raise awareness about the importance of ensuring every child’s access to nutritious meals,” said Dr. Brad Whitt, senior pastor of Abilene Baptist Church.

The donation comes just three days after one local group told News 12 it was trying to step up and pay off students’ debts.

TColumbia County School District is one of the only counties in the CSRA not offering free-for-all lunch programs.

Students with more than $14.25 of lunch account debt have been receiving a meal consisting of a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“Everybody’s struggling. It’s tough on everybody, and the kids have to be taken care of and if we can do that as a community that’s a win, positivity where there is enough negative in the world, we can be positive,” said Alan Barry, who started the awareness campaign.

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