MORE PICTURES COMING SOON
By Betsy Finklea
Dillon School District Four officials cut the ribbon on May 19 on two new vehicles provided by Save The Children as school personnel and children, community partners, and others looked on.
Dillon District Four Superintendent Ray Rogers said it was “a dream come true” to have Save The Children in Dillon District Four. He said Rep. Jackie Hayes has been a champion for Save The Children in Columbia.
Rogers said that Save the Children piggybacked on the efforts of local partners such as the Dillon County Boys and Girls Club and Love Feeds. He said it was a fantastic marriage between all concerned and the kids are the benefactors and ones who will reap the benefit.
Jackie Hayes, Director of Operation, said the program creates opportunities for the community and for the students in areas such as nutrition, literacy, and math. He said COVID put students behind, and these efforts are helping to close the gap.
Hayes said the state puts $1 million in appropriations which enables them to draw down $4 million from the federal government. He said the program started out small, but has really grown. He thanked the bus drivers, assistants, teachers, and program directors who assist with the program. Hayes said he had always been one to try to help people who cannot help themselves.
Sharonda Burlson-Harris, Save The Children Deputy Director, said they are committed to helping all children to thrive as learners in life.
She said they work to help fight food insecurity by distributing 609 food boxes to students and have provided items such as books, school and office supplies, and PPE items to schools.
She is looking forward to continuing to work with Dillon District Four.
Ellen Jordan of Love Feeds, an effort to fight food insecurity and hunger among students, said that Save The Children had been a blessing after donations went down during and after COVID. Now, they will also be taking on the summer school program. She noted that she was thankful for what Rep. Hayes did in the state.
Annie Smith of the Dillon County Boys and Girls Club also thanked Save the Children, who has helped them provide blessing bags to provide food to children on weekends.
Rep. Hayes ended the remarks saying that they were all trying to meet the needs and create opportunities for students.
After the remarks, everyone gathered outside to cut the ribbons on the two new vehicles.
