During a trip to L.C. Kerr School, Pastor Dr. Kenneth E. Benton smiled as held the door open for churchgoers carrying boxes of goodies and supplies for teachers.

It’s something Linda McLamb of West Clinton Original FWB Church started. She died a few weeks ago, but as the leader of the church Benton wants it to be a tradition for schools in the area. Some of the donated items include fruit, water, candy and other snacks. The church plans to adopt another school next year.

“We’re not in the school on a daily basis, but we’re on call for any help that we can give them,” Benton said. “Right now we’re taking the initiative to make sure the teachers have some goodies during their break time and workday.”

Benton was joined by several volunteers of the church, including Kendall McLamb, the widower of the program’s founder.

“It was real important to her,” McLamb said about his wife.

Along with helping teachers, the Clinton High School graduate enjoyed flower gardening, watching hummingbirds, drawing, painting and poetry.

Benton said it’s the first time a school and a church adopted each other for what he called a cutting-edge project. He added that the donation shows teachers how the church feels about the importance of their work in the community.

“We’re a part of that community and we want them to know that the church and us as citizens are behind them for the work they do,” Benton said. “Right now, it’s a demonstration for our concern to them and helping them do a better a job in the school.”

He believes teachers get a bad rap because of reports of how some schools are not meeting standards or for other reasons. But he continued to stress the importance of supporting educators who are preparing students for life.

“The children they work with now, in 25 years will be our leaders,” Benton said. “They will be the ones in (legislative positions) and in the congress. They’ll be the ones making the laws at that time.”

Assistant Principal Tony Faison said the teachers appreciate the donation from the church.

“I like it because they’ve become one of our stakeholders,” Faison said. “I’m very grateful that they’re doing it. I hope they will continue on.”

Pastor Dr. Kenneth E. Benton and members of West Clinton Original FWB Church donate items to L.C. Kerr School.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_Donation_2.jpgPastor Dr. Kenneth E. Benton and members of West Clinton Original FWB Church donate items to L.C. Kerr School.

West Clinton Original FWB Church donated snacks and school supplies to L.C. Kerr School. Pictured, Assistant Principal Tony Faison, Principal Jennifer Pope, Ilen Thornton, Pastor Dr. Kenneth E. Benton, Sarah Tyndall, Kendall McLamb, Gayla Grantham and Dale Thornton.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_Donation_1.jpgWest Clinton Original FWB Church donated snacks and school supplies to L.C. Kerr School. Pictured, Assistant Principal Tony Faison, Principal Jennifer Pope, Ilen Thornton, Pastor Dr. Kenneth E. Benton, Sarah Tyndall, Kendall McLamb, Gayla Grantham and Dale Thornton.

By Chase Jordan

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