The Jasper County School District (JCSD) strives to maintain productive relationships to service the children of Jasper County. In partnership with the Antioch Educational Center (AEC) the Backpack Buddies Program has officially started. The representatives of Antioch Educational Center met with the JCSD representatives to launch its Backpack Buddies Program. The meeting was filled with positive vibes, as both organizations displayed their excitement to serve the students.
The Backpack Buddies Program is currently servicing at Ridgeland Elementary School (RES), Hardeeville Elementary School (HES) and Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School (HRMS). The program has successfully served in the district for years by providing snacks, meals, materials, and resources for JCSD students.
During this year’s implementation of the program, AEC has delivered two sets of new school uniforms to JCSD students in selected communities of Jasper County. Also, students who are listed as McKinney-Vento received two new sets of uniforms from the JCSD Office of Student Services.
AEC and JCSD sincerely appreciate the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the Backpack Buddies Program. AEC also provides career-focused employment opportunities for high school students. More specifically, AEC provided all 2019 Summer Youth Workers with two sets of new school uniforms and a new backpack filled with school supplies.
AEC is continuing one of their Backpack Buddies Program initial projects of providing snacks to students. Currently, AEC has started providing snacks to approximately 220 HRMS students. Two hundred binders have been delivered for students at Ridgeland Elementary School. AEC is currently accepting applications for holiday toys for 400 of Jasper County children.
Director of Antioch Educational Center (AEC), Jackie O’Bannon expressed, “JCSD representatives were very positive, energetic, and excited about this school year. It was contagious!”Both organizations shared their gratitude for the program, representatives, and most importantly, the program volunteers; and are very hopeful that the high expectations of this program will result in great outcomes.