About Us
Give a Kid a Chance is a program designed to help children in Cherokee County start out each new school year on the right foot.
In 2006, several members of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church in Canton were inspired to begin an outreach based on a successful back-to-school program for single parent families at Milford Church of God in Austell (www.milford.org). They wanted to start a similar ministry in Cherokee, offering local students every possible advantage as they begin the new school year.
Each year since, we’ve found that God continues to bless our ministry, opens new doors and surrounds us with more folks interested in helping those in need. Won’t you join us?
What We Offer
- Filled backpacks
- Haircuts
- Clothing
- Socks and undies
- Medical screenings
- Spinal screenings
How to Help
- Donations of money, supplies
- Be our liaison for your church, business or nonprofit
- Volunteer at event
- Become part of the leadership team
Our Biggest Needs
- Filled backpacks - click here for supply list
- New packages of socks and undies for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, particularly adult sizes
- Gently used, school-appropriate clothing
- Spanish-speaking volunteers
- Videographer
History
2006: 100 children served by three churches.
2007: 1,000 children served by a coalition of 21 churches, nonprofits and civic organizations. GAKAC worked with MUST Inc. to be the agency's backpack distribution point, relieving the agency's already overworked summer volunteers who are busy with the summer lunch program.
2008: 1,500-plus children served in two locations by approximately 600 volunteers and more than 30 churches, nonprofits and civic organizations. Children were able to get immunizations at our North Cherokee location.
2009: 2,300 students and their families attended our event, and another 300 picked up backpacks we gave to MUST Inc. A total of 89 churches, businesses, nonprofits and individuals supported Give a Kid a Chance. We completed the incorporation process and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and the Cherokee County School District adopted Give a Kid a Chance as a partner in education.
2010: We anticipate 2010 to be the biggest event yet, and expect 3,500-4,000 children and their families will attend! Our desire is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to each student and family member! We will provide them with a list of participating churches so they will get to know the Body of Christ in Cherokee County, and find a place to worship if they don't already have one.
Other opportunities to serve Cherokee County and beyond:
SERV International Never Alone MUST Inc. Papa’s Pantry Gideons Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association