A recent workday at the South Cobb Early Learning Center was attended by over 30 volunteers to clean, organize, and prepare the new school for classes. Helping Hammers, an outreach construction ministry from Piedmont Church, offered its technical expertise and physical labor to get the building ready for the school year.

The volunteers helped to paint large areas inside the school, including the cafeteria and the media center. They also spruced up the exterior of the building with landscaping all around the campus and repainted the pawprints that lead from the sidewalk into the school.

Dr. Tracie Doe, Assistant Superintendent at Cobb Schools was moved by all the help. "It means so much to our staff and the community that during this time when everyone has so many things going on that these volunteers made our school a priority," she said.

"Opening the South Cobb Early Learning Center during this time of the pandemic has certainly created challenges for us," Dr. Doe continued. "Our staff has been so busy preparing for virtual learning, and seeing all this community support really boosted their morale."

Piedmont Church has always been highly supportive of Cobb Schools, but especially so during remote learning, which began for the District as far back as March. 

They were closely involved with the MUST Ministries food distribution, donated learning tools, donated money, and most recently has been donating clothing and undergarments to students and families through their "Love Does" campaign.

"Piedmont Church is going to do whatever it takes to help Cobb County Schools be successful," said Marlon Longacre, Community Pastor at Piedmont. "We always want to be the first call for help in the community. Whenever the schools need something, our hands are always raised to do whatever we can to help."