Oconee County Schools will be able to provide even more calculators, notebooks, pens and pencils to needy students thanks to a $1,000 donation from the Briscoe Family Foundation.
Matt Dixon of the Foundation said Saturday, while presenting the check to Superintendent Dr. Jason Brach at Fox's Pizza Den of Oconee, that she saw an article about the supply drive and reached out to offer support.
"This is something I certainly wanted to be involved in," she said, "making sure children have what they need for school. I think they do much better in the learning process when they have all of the tools that they need."
Around 25 percent of students at Oconee County Schools are enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program, according to Branch. "So there is a need."
He praised and thanked the community and businesses for their willingness to give.
"It's just a tremendous effort to put [supplies] into kids' hands and its going to make a difference," Branch remarked. "On that first day, some kids are going to show up with the supplies that they need and others are going to be on a limited budget, so if we can support those students and be sure they have what they need to learn, that's what it's all about."
The school supply drive is going on now through Aug. 7 at Fox's Pizza Den of Oconee, Ellis Pain Center, and the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce. There is also a collection box inside of Starbucks on Epps Bridge Parkway.
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