“If you’re worried about eating, or you’re worried about, you know, some of the things that our kids worry about, then you’re not learning, and we want our families to feel like we’re going to partner with them,” Fannin County School System Social Worker Tara Cantrell said explaining the importance of the system’s Children’s Fund.
Those in the Fannin County School System incorporated the Children’s Fund in 2018, which helps children and their families meet the needs of students, beyond academics.
“The beauty of the fund is we’re able to, we have the flexibility to use it for what our students need it for,” said Fannin County Middle School Parent Involvement Coordinator Deb Cantrell.
This fund can be used to pay for children’s competition costs and fees, appropriate attire for sports, medical exams and supplies, clothing and so much more.
“These things just kind of help level the playing field,” Deb Cantrell said. “I know it’s kind of the trend to say 'we’re all in this together,' but we’re not all in the same boat. ... Everybody falls on hard times at some time or another.”
Whenever a child with a need has been identified, whether through a teacher, peer, parent, etc., the schools are able to direct funds toward the child.
“I usually reach out to the family,” Deb Cantrell said. “We really want them to know that we’re about more than just educating our kids. We’re about supporting them and helping their kids through the school process as well.”
With COVID-19 in the air, the school system has not been able to raise funds. They’ve relied heavily on the bestowed generosity of their supporters.
“People have been hit hard with COVID-19,” Tara Cantrell said. “We’ve seen a rising need in areas, and so, we’ve been able to meet those needs because of people, our community, and so we’re just real appreciative of people getting behind this and supporting it.”
Anyone can serve Fannin County children by making checks payable to Fannin County Middle School (FCMS) with the “for” line indicating Fannin County Children’s Fund. Mail checks to FCMS at 4560 Old Highway 76, Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513.
These funds are used throughout the entire school system.