Give a Kid a Chance is a nonprofit organization that serves the Holly Springs, Canton, and Woodstock areas as an educational partner with the Cherokee County School District. While many children look forward to a new backpack, lunchbox, and school supplies, not all families have the means to provide these things for their children. In fact, nearly 30% of students in the Cherokee County School District qualify for free and reduced lunch.
In an effort to help fill the gap, Give a Kid a Chance distributes backpacks throughout June along with a supply list. Volunteers pick these bags up at a variety of partner organizations, including several local churches. When picking up the book bags, participants are given a supply list. School supplies are purchased and placed in the bags. The bags are returned to go to the big backpack distribution event.
This year’s big event takes place on July 18, 2015. Give a Kid a Chance will be hosting their backpack giveaway events at Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock, and at First Baptist Church in Canton. Children must be registered to take part in the program. Visit the Give a Kid a Chance website to download the registration forms.
In addition to the backpack drive that Give a Kid a Chance is known for, families are provided with other services as well. Give a Kid a Chance provides medical screenings, haircuts, clothing, and socks and underwear. All of these items help to give a kid a fighting chance to successfully and confidently face each day at school as they are equipped with basic necessities.
Program Facts
- 3,200 backpacks distributed in 2013
- Give a Little Kid a Chance was added in 2014 in an effort to provide backpacks for preschool students.
- In existence since 2006.
- Over 19,000 children served.
Give a Kid a Chance is currently seeking help in the following ways:
- Donations of money and supplies
- Liaisons for churches, businesses, and nonprofits
- Volunteers for the July 18, 2015 event
- Event set up volunteers on July 17, 2015
- Leadership team opportunities
Sign up to volunteer using the online sign up sheet for the Canton or Woodstock location! Please make sure you share this information about Give a Kid a Chance with families in need and with those seeking volunteer opportunities.