Community Partner: Give A Kid A Chance

Give a Kid a Chance (GAKAC) is a program designed to help children in Cherokee County start 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. They wanted to start a similar ministry in Cherokee, offering local students every possible advantage, as they begin a new school year. In 2009, the organization was chosen by Cherokee County School District as a Partner in Education.

This year, GAKAC celebrated its 15th year of giving back to the community by supplying students in need with haircuts, clothing, socks and undies, medical screenings, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Since 2006, the event has grown from serving 100 kids to serving 3,000 kids each year. What started with three church congregations gathering to make a difference has grown into more than 75 churches, ministries, civic groups, individuals, and local businesses working together to help over 33,200 students get ready for the new school year.

The organization is 100% run by volunteers, with no paid staff. This ensures that every dollar donated goes directly back to serving community needs. Most of the volunteers on the GAKAC leadership team also work full time jobs. The team is made up of Cherokee County school employees, accountants, teachers, students, and others. Director Cory Steinburg has been with the organization for 10 years and was recently recognized for her hard work by receiving the Hometown Hero Award from Modern Woodmen.

The program consists of each child receiving a new backpack full of the basic needed school supplies; two pairs of brand new socks and underwear; two gently used outfits; books; stuffed animals; medical screenings for vision, dental, and hearing; free haircuts; and lunch for the entire family at the annual Back to School Bash.

The Bash happens once a year in two locations: First Baptist Church of Canton and Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Roughly 2,500 students attend the event each year to gear up for back to school.

While this year looked very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, GAKAC was still able to gather the support to provide filled backpacks, stuffed animals, and books to more than 2,700 Cherokee County students.

The goal of the organization is to help families in need start the school year on a steady foot. The vision is to help children help themselves to a better education and a better future.

“We consider ourselves lucky to be part of a community that so readily gives back to those in need,” says one of the event’s organizers, Nitasha Ginn. “Each year is a gift for us, as we see the hearts and souls of Cherokee County citizens through their generosity and kindness.”

To donate or to get more information about how you can help, please visit GiveAKidAChance.org.