Teachers deserve appreciation
As the school year begins, the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce (GCOC) plans to show appreciation to local teachers.
“We really want to say thank you to our educators and get them all started off,” Chamber President Kyle Ray said. “They do an important job in raising our kids.”
The Gilmer Education Celebration is a donation drive put on by the Chamber of Commerce to honor and help teachers and staff at Gilmer schools.
The Chamber has been running the Gilmer Education Celebration for eight years now, he said. In the past, this fundraiser has given a couple thousand dollars to teachers.
“These groups are very appreciative when we come through with the snack baskets and stuff like that,” Ray said. “It’s just a good opportunity to visit.”
The donations will go toward teachers at both Gilmer County Schools and the North Georgia Christian Academy.
Those interested in joining the donation drive can drop off gifts, gift cards or certificates worth $20 or more at the Chamber of Commerce’s East Ellijay office.
The office is located at 696 First Ave. in East Ellijay. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
People can also sponsor stocking a classroom with a snack box for $100.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a snack box or asking questions can email mackenziem@gilmerchamber.com.
The Chamber of Commerce will be accepting donations.
“We also volunteer. We help on the open house days and stuff like that,” Ray said.
Over the course of the school year, these donations will be given out as treats at staff meetings, door prizes and monthly drawing events.
Often, working at schools isn’t just about giving kids an education, Ray said. Some children don’t have a stable and safe home environment.
“In some cases, school is just a safe place for the kids,” he said. “It’s the only place they can get a good meal and have a good, stable environment.”
In these cases, it’s often a teacher’s job to provide kids with an example of what a good adult looks like.
“Teachers perform an important job by just being a role model and being there to love on and encourage kids,” Ray said.