Four school districts impacted by Hurricane Matthew are the beneficiaries of the giving students and staff from Gaston County Schools. The district, located in the western part of the state, recently held a fundraiser to assist students still feeling the effects of Matthew’s historical flooding.
In November, Gaston County student held a “Nickels 4 Neighbors Day.” Students brought in piggy banks, pencil boxes, and Ziploc bags filled with spare change. Parents, teachers, and other school employees also contributed to the district wide campaign. When all of the collecting and counting was complete, the schools raised $21,952.31.
Today (Wednesday) in Goldsboro, Gaston County School leaders presented checks to Wayne County Public Schools, Lenoir County Schools, and Edgecombe County Schools. Earlier this morning, officials also presenting a check to Robeson County Schools. Each district received a $5,450 donation.
“It is absolutely heartwarming to see these Gaston County students come together to collectively support their peers on the eastern side of the state,” states Dr. Michael Dunsmore, Wayne County Superintendent. “In our district alone, we had approximately 300 students and families who experienced home, property, or personal property damage as a result of Matthew and its flooding. We also had more than 250 students and families displaced from their homes, with some still unable to return and who are living in hotels, with extended family, or in some other temporary housing.”
It is worth noting that this is second “Nickels 4 Neighbors” campaign for the Gaston students. In October 2015, they supported South Carolina schools devastated by a flooding event. The campaigns teach students the importance of giving and caring about neighbors during a time of need.
“Our schools went beyond expectations to support our ‘Nickels 4 Neighbors’ campaign, and because of their willingness to help others, we are able to present more than $21,000 to four school districts that are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Matthew,” stated Gaston County Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. “We know this money will be put to good use, and it is our hope that it will make the holiday season and new year a little brighter for students and their families.”
