For 30 days, the VCS Foundation shared stories of students, teachers, employees and graduates whose experiences demonstrate what can happen when someone BelieVes.
Now, the final numbers tell another incredible story.
The 2026–27 BelieVe. GiVe. NeVer Quit. Employee Giving Campaign concluded with:
💛 385 monthly donors pledging $3,500 each month
🖤 125 one-time donors pledging $4,465
Together, those commitments represent $46,465 in annual pledged employee support for the VCS Foundation.
That is an increase of $12,370, or more than 36%, over the $34,095 committed by employees during last year's campaign.
Turning Generosity Into Opportunity
The impact of that increased support has already begun.
The VCS Foundation is adding four new $1,000 scholarships, including two additional scholarships for VCS employees continuing their education and two additional scholarships for graduating seniors.
The new scholarships represent $4,000 in additional opportunities created as support for the VCS Foundation continues to grow.
Throughout the campaign, employees saw stories demonstrating how VCS Foundation support can help teachers turn ideas into experiences, help students pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, help employees continue their education and help graduates take their next steps.
Celebrating Our Employees
Employees who met the campaign's qualifying giving level were entered into the annual gift card drawing.
Congratulations to the 2026 winners:
$50 Sam's Club/Walmart:
Ashley Harrell, W.G. Nunn Elementary
$50 Target:
Rozanna Kinder, VCS Transportation Dept.
$50 Publix:
Idella Williams, J.L. Lomax Elementary
$50 Winn-Dixie:
April Ward, Sallas Mahone Elementary
$50 Amazon:
Emma Johnson, VCS Transportation Dept.
$100 Sam's Club/Walmart:
Carlos Hundley, Valdosta Middle School
$100 Target:
Tracie Sermons, Central Office
$250 Sam's Club/Walmart:
Jennifer Garrett, Pinevale Elementary
Because of the extraordinary response to this year's campaign, the VCS Foundation Board also approved three additional Amazon gift cards for a bonus drawing recognizing early supporters and employees who chose to give above the campaign's qualifying level.
The bonus winners are:
$100 Amazon:
Michael Templeton, Valdosta High School
$150 Amazon:
LeThonia Garrison, W.G. Nunn Elementary
$250 Amazon:
Brooke Barr, Sallas Mahone Elementary
In total, 11 employees received $1,200 in gift cards as part of this year's campaign celebration.
The Campaign Ends. The Giving Doesn't.
While the official employee campaign has concluded, support for the VCS Foundation is welcomed throughout the year.
Employees can begin payroll deduction at any time, and one-time gifts continue to be accepted.
💛 Start Monthly Payroll Deduction
We've seen our BelieVers. We know there are still GiVers. And we will NeVer Quit creating opportunities for the students, employees and schools of Valdosta City Schools.
BelieVe. GiVe. NeVer Quit.