Cliffs outreach group aims to raise $75K for local schools

LANDRUM S.C. – School district representatives and Cliffs of Glassy residents recently gathered atop Glassy Mountain for a back-to-school picnic to celebrate and recognize the Cliffs’ financial contributions and volunteer involvement in both schools.

The Cliffs Resident Outreach plans to raise $75,000 to support the schools, and Marietta Castellano, president of the group's board of directors, said the primary goal of their fundraising efforts is to provide resources so that every child will read on grade level by third grade.

Through the group's support, the two schools have already received hundreds of grade level books as well as iPads and Smart Tables.

“Everything we make in donations is given right back to the students,” said Castellano, adding that a secondary goal is to help students who cannot afford basic needs such as clothing, shoes, eye glasses, and hearing aids.

“We all know that if a student does not have the basic necessities, they’re not going to be able to learn in school,” she said.

Diane Jackson, principal of Tigerville Elementary, praised the group for the financial support and for their volunteer time.

“We are so happy to have volunteers come out four days a week, every week of the school year,” she said. “And by putting an iPad with the right apps in students’ laps, they learn – and the learning is exciting.”

Heather Hester, principal at Heritage Elementary, said the addition of hundreds of books to the school's library has had a huge impact on students.

“I have the pleasure of seeing the benefit these dollars have in our school,” she said “Students are reading rich literature and they’re reading a different book every day.”

“I know that these students are going to grow up and work in your companies and will be the next leaders in our community, and by your donations, you are touching the future,” Hester added.