Although individual schools and employees support many local charitable organizations, for many years the school system has chosen the United Way as its one system?wide cause for fundraising purposes as all donations stay within Newton County.
Every year, each school sets a fundraising goal for United Way and this year all Newton County schools surpassed their goals. Overall, school system employees donated $150,579.81 to the local United Way, surpassing the system goal of $101,076 by almost $50,000.
"Our employees are to be commended for their giving back to the community," said Dr. Steve Whatley, Superintendent for Newton County Schools. "Everyone has been affected by the downturn in the economy, and that includes our school system employees. Even so, they rose to the occasion and not only met but surpassed our goal by almost $50,000. The employees have through the years consistently demonstrated their commitment to the United Way and
the programs it supports."
Three schools, Ficquett Elementary, Indian Creek Middle, and Newton High School each donated over $10,000 to United Way for 2009, with Indian Creek topping the list at $10,693.00.
Five schools-East Newton Elementary, Ficquett Elementary, Mansfield Elementary, Rocky Plains Elementary, and South Salem Elementary collected more than double their initial goal amount.
"I was at the United Way Kick Off Luncheon and one of the speakers talked about the state of the economy and how it is no longer an ‘us and them' situation," said Dr. Renee Mallard, principal of Indian Creek Middle School. "He said it was a "we" situation. One never knows the needs of their neighbors, their colleagues, or their friends. That resonated with me and I shared it with my staff. We, as an Indian Creek family, do not know the struggles of others and any one of us or our families, could some day be someone in need. I am proud of the school's collective
effort to help others in our community."
A breakdown of goals and amount pledged is listed below. Each school in Newton County surpassed their set goal for 2009.
For more information contact Sherri Viniard, director of public relations for Newton County Schools, at (770) 784?2908. For information about the Newton County United Way, contact Doris Strickland at (770) 786?7638.
