Wildwood Christian Academy “Day of the Heart” Benefits Recipients Near and Far

By: Melissa Lowrie

On Thursday, February 11^th, students, faculty and parent volunteers from Wildwood Christian Academy gave of their time and talents for a “Day of the Heart.” This day full of service projects was held so the students could give to others; both in our community and as far away as Iraq.  An opening assembly was led by Dr. Jim McCormick, former pastor of the Big Canoe Chapel, reaffirming for all what it means to give of yourself for the benefit of others.   After the assembly, the students began a rotation of activities which resulted in contributions to the following organizations: 

·         100 Valentine cards were made for Atlanta Urban Ministries, a group that assists homeless and financially challenged women and children.

·         Adoption Day scarves were made for Big Canoe Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter that places approximately 100 dogs a year into loving homes.

·         Numerous boxes of fudge and care packages filled with goodies were sent to the 506^th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, currently deployed to the Kirkuk Regional Air Base.  This squadron is responsible for infrastructure upgrades in support of deployed US Troops and for integrated operations with the local Iraqi population.

·         Activity bags, for children who have to wait with their parents, were presented to Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides healthcare and related services to the medically underserved of Pickens County.

·         22 blankets were made for the Hope House of North Georgia, a temporary shelter and support system for children from Pickens, Dawson and the surrounding counties referred by the court system and Department of Family and Children’s Services.

·         180 children in the Pickens County Head Start program received friendship cards, as well as new crayons, and 9 supply baskets to enhance the classrooms were assembled for the Head Start teachers.

·         Over 180 Valentines were made for residents in Grandview Health Care Center, Mountain Healthcare Center and Wildwood Health Care, nursing homes in Pickens County.  In addition, over 100 clay pots were painted and planted to brighten these facilities.

·         Multiple supply packages were assembled for the Pickens County office of the Red Cross, an organization whose mission is to prevent and relieve suffering.

The day concluded with a closing assembly led by teacher and “Day of the Heart” coordinator, Leslie Head. Representatives from each organization came to receive their donations and to say thank you to the students and other volunteers for their hard work. On hand from BCAR was Jane Galvin; Hope House, Parish Lowrie; Good Samaritan, Carol Maddux; Red Cross, Penny Aaron; the 506^th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Dick Scharf; and Nancy Hammer received donations on behalf of the area nursing homes and Pickens County Head Start.

Wildwood Head of School Lyn Cates stated: “Wildwood’s students were given the opportunity to do more than just talk about what it means to give back to the community – they were able to truly participate in a meaningful way.”