HINESVILLE, Ga. - Students, parents and teachers at Taylors Creek Elementary School, in Hinesville, played games, ate pizza and helped raise funds for the school during their annual fall festival, Oct. 17.
Among the many volunteers, 20 "Cottonbalers" from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, helped make the event a success.
The soldiers of Company C, 3-7 Inf., also known as Cold Steel Company, served food, manned games, and handed out prizes to students during the festivities. Many of the soldiers agreed they enjoyed spending time with the young students.
Dr. Tamela Scharnagl, the vice principal at Taylors Creek, said, "Seeing other adults, not just their teachers, involved in activities helps students know that the community as a whole values their education, their enjoyment, and their overall well-being and safety."
The money raised from the event will be used to "purchase school supplies, rewards and treats for staff and students, academic subscriptions such as U.S. Studies, and other school needs," added Scharnagl.
Taylors Creek is one of two local schools 3-7 Inf. has partnered with as a part of the Fort Stewart Adopt-a-School Program; the other school is Button Gwinnett Elementary School, also in Hinesville.
Lt. Col. Scott Shaw, the battalion commander for 3-7 Inf., said the goal behind the program is "to foster better relations with the local community."
The fall festival was the first event this school year in which the "Cottonbaler" soldiers participated in. However, there are more events scheduled in the next few months where soldiers will have the opportunity to volunteer their time with the students. These include Button Gwinnett's Family Fun Night, Oct. 31, and a monthly "Read with a Soldier Day," also at Button Gwinnet, beginning Nov. 13.
The 3-7 Infantry's partnership with its local school look to have started off to a great start as many soldiers said they would volunteer for similar events in the future.
Related Links:
The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division DVIDS page.
The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart Facebook page.
The official 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Facebook page.
The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart website.
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