VCS Foundation Employee Giving Campaign continues through September 30
As the Valdosta City Schools Foundation enters Week 2 of its 2026 Employee Giving Campaign, the focus remains on something more meaningful than a fundraising total: showing what those gifts actually make possible.
This week's story takes us to W.G. Nunn Elementary School, where second grade teacher Kadeidre Francois has seen firsthand how Foundation support can turn a lesson into an experience.
Science Beyond the Textbook
With support from the Valdosta City Schools Foundation, W.G. Nunn's second grade students were able to visit Southern Grace Farms for a hands-on learning experience connected directly to their Georgia science standards.
Students learned about the life cycle of plants by experiencing it themselves. They planted sunflower seeds to take home and watch grow, learned about strawberry plants, picked their own strawberries and even enjoyed fresh homemade strawberry ice cream.
For Francois, the opportunity was about much more than a field trip.
“Without the Foundation's support, this hands-on learning experience would not be possible for many of our students. When VCS employees give just $5 or $10 a month, they help provide opportunities our students may otherwise never experience.”
Her story illustrates exactly what the Foundation's Because Someone BelieVed... campaign is designed to show.
A $5 payroll deduction may not look like much on its own.
But put those gifts together, and they can become a field trip. A classroom resource. A scholarship. An opportunity for an employee to continue their education. Or an experience that allows a child to see, touch and understand something they previously knew only from a textbook.
That's the story behind the giving.
138 Wildcats Have Already Said Yes
As Week 2 begins, 126 VCS employees have signed up for monthly payroll deduction, while another 12 employees have chosen to make one-time gifts.
The Foundation's 2026 goal is to grow from 351 monthly employee donors last year to 400 this year.
VCS employees may choose to support the Foundation as a whole or designate their gift to a specific school, department, program, club or initiative.
💛 Monthly Payroll Deduction:
Join the 2026 campaign with a monthly gift
💛 One-Time Gift:
Make a one-time gift to the VCS Foundation
Employees who prefer a traditional paper donation form may request one through the VCS Foundation, and copies can be delivered to their school or department.
All forms and one-time payments must be received by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Employees who give at least $5 per month or make a one-time gift of at least $60 will also be entered into the Foundation's employee gift card drawing.
Throughout September, the Foundation will continue sharing stories of students, teachers, employees and graduates whose opportunities began because someone chose to BelieVe.
Sometimes it starts with something as small as a seed.
BelieVe. Give. NeVer Quit. Four weeks to make an impact that could last a lifetime.