This week, we’re aiming to raise $5,000 in just 5 days to give students the tools, support, and opportunities they deserve as we kick off the 2025-2026 school year Tuesday, August, 26th.
Today, we’re highlighting the third of our Five Basics:
A Healthy Start and a Healthy Future
At CIS Chatham County, we know that success in the classroom often depends on what happens outside of it. With nearly 90% of our students living at or below the federal poverty level, many face challenges that go far beyond academics—food insecurity, lack of basic necessities, and limited access to school supplies. These barriers can make it difficult for students to focus, learn, and stay in school.
That’s why we partner with community organizations to gather and distribute essential resources to students and their families. By working to remove these obstacles, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to stay in school and achieve in life.
Throughout the year, we have partnered with many to help provide vital needs for our students and families. This year, our partners stepped up in powerful ways:
- School Supply Drive – In partnership with David Weekley Homes, students began the year equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
- Winter Coat Distribution – Thanks to Chatham Community Church and Lisa Skumpija, students arrived at school warm and ready to learn, no matter the weather.
- Toiletries Collection & Distribution – Joan Bullard, Paige Dixon, and our friends at Governors Club helped ensure families had the essentials many of us take for granted.
- Weekly Food Bag Distribution – With the support of Interfaith Food Shuttle, hundreds of students had reliable access to healthy meals each week.
- Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes – Mountaire Farms and the Chatham Health Alliance came together to provide families with chicken dinner boxes, helping the holiday season feel brighter and more abundant.
- Monthly Food Pantries – Our friends at El Camino United Methodist Church, Love Chatham, CORA, and Chatham Alliance provide monthly food pantries that assist our community.
Together, these efforts show what’s possible when a community rallies around its students. It truly takes all of us. With every coat, meal, backpack, and care package, barriers are lifted—and students can focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and achieving their goals.
This week, we are seeking to raise $5,000 in 5 days to support our work in local schools.
Here’s what your gift can do:
$50 – Supplies & materials for our Student Support Specialists
$100 – School supplies for a student for the year
$250 – Out-of-school enrichment opportunities
$500 – Sponsor a student for camp
$1,000 – Snacks & supplies for after-school programs at a school
Will you join us today?
