Thanks to the efforts of Second

Wind, Inc., a nonprofit organization that puts volunteer groups and agencies

in need of help together, approximately 60 community volunteers worked

between the two schools helping staff and teachers unload boxes, sort

through materials, stamp textbooks, create signs and mop and wax the floors.

Working with Second Wind, church

members from Grace Evangelical Church in Fayetteville sent volunteers

to both schools to help with final finishing touches. Mike Stachura, who

was in charge of coordinating Grace volunteers at Cleveland, says his

church just wanted to give help where help was needed.

"We love to serve and

are just so thrilled that we could come out and help our new neighbors

and community," he added.

While community volunteers

eagerly pitched in to help the schools, Fayette County Board of Education

members also rolled up their sleeves to give a helping hand. Board member

Marion Key and her husband, Jerry, spent an entire afternoon at Cleveland

unpacking new school supplies and delivering them to teachers as well

as unloading boxes of material at Minter and working in any capacity they

were needed to help get the school ready for its new students.

In addition, a number of parents

also turned out to lend a helping hand. Among those who generously gave

of their time or donated services to the schools include the Cleveland

and Minter PTOs, Lisbon Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Youth Group

and Chick-fil-A on Ga. Highway 85 south.

Karrie Walker, a teacher at

Sara Harp Minter, had two volunteers working in her room helping her cut

and hang artwork on the walls as well as arrange the classroom and set

up desks. She says she cannot begin to express what their help has meant

to her.

"I can't begin to tell

how much help these volunteers have been. All I can say is that I would

have been lost without them and I truly appreciate all the help they have

so generously given," stated Walker.