Things came together quickly after Leadership Putnam 2023-24 graduate and entrepreneur AJ Nugent sent a group text to his LP classmates on July 20, suggesting the class make a charitable donation to Putnam County’s primary, elementary, and middle schools.
Fellow LP member Diane Carter of the Uncle Remus Golf Course immediately responded by suggesting the group use some funds still in the bank thanks to the generosity of many local businesses and individuals for several successful fundraisers last fall and earlier this year.
Thanks to their and the community’s support, Leadership Putnam 2023-24 was able to provide a major turkey giveaway at Thanksgiving, monetary gifts to multiple local families at Christmas, and a massive, free Easter Egg hunt this spring, among other events.
LP grad Yolanda Rodriguez of The Peoples Bank in downtown Eatonton confirmed the funds were available. LP members Taylor Addison, Lynde Shubert, Nash Cullens, Rachael Bradley, and class president Justin Hadden pledged their support, too.
Last Tuesday evening, Nugent, Carter, and LP classmate Ian Tocher visited Walmart in Eatonton and purchased nearly $1,700 worth of lined paper, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, and bookbags, among other items. On Thursday afternoon, they visited each of the three schools, where the donated items were graciously accepted.
“We love free supplies,” Assistant Principal Holly Hardie declared upon wheeling in two carts of mostly loose-leaf paper, crayons, and notebooks into Putnam County Primary School. “This should keep us going for a while.”
The sentiment was echoed at the elementary and middle schools, where each received a similar number of age-appropriate supplies to start the new academic year.
“Thank you so much,” PCES Principal Whitney Smith said. “We, and the kids, really appreciate the support.”