Russellville City Schools are reaching out to the hurricane-ravaged Lumberton, Texas, schools to provide help for students by 'adopting' the district in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Lumberton, located northeast of Houston, was among the many Texas cities ravaged by catastrophic flooding last month. Russellville City Schools have undertaken the project of adopting the school district to help students and faculty get back on their feet.
According to RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes, more than 50 percent of the Lumberton Independent School District students and faculty lost everything they had in the flooding. Lumberton schools were set to open Monday, Sept. 11th and they need help.
“From what I understand, the schools themselves are fine for the most part, but it's the people who need our help,” Grimes said. “Those of us in this area who remember the tornado outbreak in April 2011 remember seeing many of our friends and neighbors lose everything that day and what a tremendous task it was for them to face in the wake of such a disaster.
“But there were so many people from all over the country who offered their assistance, their time, their money and their resources to help our community and others during such a tragic time. Now it's time for us to do the same for the people of Texas,” he added.
Grimes said the project also provides a great learning opportunity for RCS students about the importance of charity, compassion and helping others.
“At Russellville City Schools, developing outstanding character is just as important as developing academic or athletic skills and abilities. We want our students to know the value of being good friends, good neighbors and good citizens,” Grimes said.
Instead of collecting many physical donations, Grimes said the best way to help those affected in Lumberton school district is through monetary donations.
“They need basic things like clothing and shoes to start back to school in. Because there would be so many size ranges and needs, we will be taking up monetary donations only. We will then convert the monetary donations into gift cards that can be distributed to those in need in Lumberton,” Grimes said.
"We believe this will be the best way to make sure they are getting the things they really need right now.”
RCS students can bring monetary donations to school to give to their teachers. Those in the community wanting to help can drop off monetary donations at the RCS Central Office. Any checks should be made out to Russellville City Schools with “Lumberton Relief Fund” listed on the memo section of the check. Donations are needed as soon as possible.
“Any amount will be appreciated and will help. This isn't just a school effort—it's a community effort. We feel this is a great way to help the people of Texas because you know exactly where your money is going,” Grimes said. “This is a direct link from Russellville, Alabama, to Lumberton, Texas, that will 100 percent help the people of this school district.“We hope everyone in our city and our entire county will consider helping these people during such a great time of need,” Grimes added.
Donation checks may also be mailed to Russellville City Schools, 1945 Waterloo Road, Russellville, Alabama, 35653
