Putnam County’s PEP Foundation has increased its spending this year to meet the growing needs of local students.
The PEP Foundation has spent an estimated $26,466 in crisis assistance funds this fiscal year. Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said rising cost in materials to meet hardships has led to the increased spending. Steakley said the foundation has been able to keep up with the costs thanks to its donors.
“We have very, very generous donors and supporters in our community who support us in a variety of ways,” Steakley said. “We don’t just do student needs; we also have other areas where individuals can invest in the school system.”
Steakley said other areas the foundation helps with are utility bills and monthly rent for families in need. Steakley said many donors donate to the foundation because of how the foundation changes the lives of local families.
“A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be able to help a student find a pair of shoes when she showed up to school with only sandals on,” Steakley said. “And it was incredibly impactful to actually be able to put shoes on a student’s feet who needed them.”
Steakley said Putnam County has always needed assistance programs similar to what the PEP Foundation offers. Steakley said the goal is help as many families in need as possible.
“While we don’t always know the impact of what we are doing, we know that more students are safe, said, and so loved when they are at school than they would if our community was not stepping in otherwise, and we are incredibly thankful to be a part of that.”