Community

Power of one affects hundreds of Gaston County students

By Kevin Campbell
By Kevin Campbell
For the past three years, Lynette Laney, a Gaston County resident has attended the annual Gaston County Schools “Stuff That Bus” event.
“She has made it her mission to collect supplies all year long and present the to us at the start of school,” Valerie Yatko, director of business and community partnerships of Gaston County Schools, said.
Laney carefully buys supplies all year long, utilizing various purchase methods and her personal funds to gather the items. Last week, Laney called the Gaston County Schools office and asked Yatko to pick up 895 items that she has purchased with her own funds over the past year.
Because Laney had read an article about the change in the supply lists and the use of technology in the classrooms, she included 195 earbuds in her donation.
“This just illustrates the power of one person and ability to affect so many more,” Yatko said.
“She said ‘anyone can do this.’ The truth is she has a gift.”
Gaston County Schools held its annual Stuff that Bus event on Aug. 1 at the Office Depot on Franklin Boulevard. The public was invited to come out and donate school supplies for local students in need.
“Stuff that Bus gives us the opportunity to bring together our staff, community partners and student volunteers for a fun event to collect supplies for students who may need assistance,” said Yatko.
In partnership with WSOC-TV’s 9 School Tools campaign, Gaston County Schools is collecting school supplies for students in grades K-12. These items play a big role in preparing students to be successful in the upcoming school year. The donations from 9 School Tools stay in the county where they're donated, so any items donated at the Stuff that Bus event will benefit students in Gaston County.
“Gaston County residents support this campaign because it is a tangible way to support students,” Yatko said. “I think physically touching the supplies that they know will be put into student hands makes the donation that more important.”
You can find your nearest 9 School Tools donation location by clicking on this link.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, public affairs manager for WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte, at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com.

Cox Media Group

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