One week down. Three weeks left. And already, the stories are reminding us exactly why we started.
The Valdosta City Schools Foundation kicked off its 2026 Employee Giving Campaign this week with a simple goal: before we spend September asking our Wildcat family to give, we want to show them what their generosity makes possible.
Last year, 351 VCS employees chose to support the Foundation through monthly payroll deduction, with another 56 employees making one-time gifts. Together, VCS employees pledged more than $34,000 in annual support.
This year, our goal is to grow to 400 monthly employee donors. But this campaign is about much more than reaching a number. It is about the people behind it.
Because Someone BelieVed... in an Experience
At Sallas Mahone Elementary School, the VCS Foundation support helped Katonia Williams give her students experiences that went beyond everyday classroom resources. From bringing favorite stories to life to hands-on learning with pumpkins and celebrating accomplishments through the ABC Club, Foundation funding helped create moments students could see, touch, explore and remember.
As Williams shared, “I’m so grateful that someone believed our young scholars were worth the investment.”
Sometimes a Foundation gift becomes an experience a child may remember for years.
Because Someone BelieVed... in What Comes Next
And sometimes that investment follows a Wildcat long after graduation.
For retired VCS employee Kim Ortmeyer and her family, scholarships through the Valdosta City Schools Foundation meant something especially meaningful. The same school system that educated their son for 13 years continued to BelieVe in him as he pursued his education beyond Valdosta High School.
Today, those scholarships are helping him work toward graduating with his bachelor’s degree debt-free.
“As parents, it is hard to put into words what that means to us,” Ortmeyer shared. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chose to invest in him and BelieVe in what comes next.”
And We're Just Getting Started
These are only two stories. Throughout September, we'll introduce you to more teachers whose ideas became opportunities, students whose scholarships helped open doors, and VCS employees who continued their own education with support from the Foundation.
Because a $5 or $10 gift may look small on a paycheck. But look at what it can become. An experience. An opportunity. A scholarship. A future.
Last year, 351 Wildcats said yes to monthly payroll deduction. This year, we're asking 49 more to join them and help us reach 400 monthly donors by September 30.
💛 Monthly Payroll Deduction:
Join the campaign with a monthly payroll deduction - https://forms.gle/Y1bkLxCxAf4RchcD8
💛 One-Time Gift:
Make a one-time gift to the VCS Foundation - https://forms.gle/2XhHnLtbZYg1ss1R8
(Or we can get you a paper donation form!)
VCS employees who give at least $5 per month or make a one-time gift of at least $60 will also be entered into our employee gift card drawing following the campaign.
BelieVe. GiVe. NeVer Quit. Four weeks to make an impact that could last a lifetime.