Kindergarten and first grade teachers at Meadowbrook Elementary School were surprised with a $2,000 donation from two local churches on Monday, November 21.

Morningstar United Methodist Church and Plains United Methodist Church received a grant from the United Methodist Church – Smoky Mountain District for $1,000 to be given to a local cause.

“Literacy rates are such a crucial indicator of future success in children and their communities,” Morningstar Rev. Nicole Jones explained. “When children develop a love of learning at a young age, it creates a foundation for them to be lifelong learners. It just made sense for us to use this opportunity to support our local elementary school.”

Jones, along with Plains United Methodist Rev. Zack Christy, challenged their congregations to match the $1,000 grant.

“Between members of our two churches, we were able to raise $1,000 in just two weeks,” Christy said. “Our congregation averages about 60 people per week, so it was amazing to see their generosity and excitement to help our area children.”

The $2,000 donation will be split among two kindergarten and two first grade classrooms at Meadowbrook to purchase high-interest, non-fiction books.

“This donation shows our teachers that the community sees and appreciates their hard work,” Meadowbrook Principal Stephanie Mancini said. “I continue to be blown away and inspired by the involvement of our community.”

Jones and Christy said they hope to continue giving a monetary donation to the school each year, and plan on focusing on different grade levels.

In an effort to further support Meadowbrook’s teachers, Canton Missional Network churches, including Morningstar UMC and Plains UMC, are working to organize a Paper Town Paper Pounding event on December 19. Teachers will be able to “shop” for school supplies for their classrooms at the event.

Paper and school supply donations can be taken to any of the 18 churches belonging to the Canton Missional Network or to Meadowbrook Elementary School before December 19.