Greater Atlanta Christian School Bolsters Salvation Army’s Annual Can-a-Thon

Greater Atlanta Christian School’s community outdid themselves this year, rising to the challenge of providing non-perishable food items in a more significant way than ever before. Already a community leader in the Salvation Army’s annual Can-A-Thon, this year the school collected a record 27,000 cans, surpassing last year’s record of 20,000 cans.

Captain Paul Ryerson of the Gwinnett County Salvation Army spoke in chapels to the GAC students and shared how the pandemic has created food insecurity for many families globally and locally.  In response, the parents, students and faculty/staff rolled up their sleeves with determination to make their collections an even more meaningful impact during this difficult year.

GAC President Dr. Scott Harsh was on hand to help students load the 1,200+ large boxes into two box trucks, and he noted the significance of the day. “It’s incredible to see what our families have done and to see the leadership of our students. In a year when many are focused on what we can’t do, I love seeing our community focused on what we can do. Our students really latched on to the reasons why this help is needed. It’s been such great joy in coming together to give this donation.”

Student -leader and senior Deymon Fleming Jr., son of Deymon and Alesia Fleming of Stone Mountain, added that “GAC does a great job instilling a sense of serving in all the students. Can-A-Thon is a natural extension of how we can have a positive effect despite the challenges of 2020.” Senior student -leader Sydney Deardorff, daughter of Burt and Sherri Deardorff of Buford, heads up service projects for the High School. She said, “It’s been super uplifting and encouraging to see our school come together and collect cans to make a difference in our community.”

GAC’s strives to instill a heart for serving in each of its students throughout the year.  The annual Can-a-Thon food drive is unique since it includes the efforts of the school’s entire student body, from GAC’s very youngest to its oldest Spartans. What began as a challenge from administrators to collect 20,000 cans turned into a school-wide determination to make the greatest impact yet to the metro Atlanta community. The record-setting collection surpassed the goal by 35% by donating over 27,000 cans.

The annual Can-A-Thon is sponsored in the Atlanta Area by Publix and 11Alive and is active through December 31st.  GAC challenges all readers to donate a dozen cans: salvationarmyatlanta.org/

Source: Greater Atlanta Christian School Press Release