This holiday season, Cobb schools have buzzed and hummed like Santa’s workshop. Santa’s “elves” collected 2,000 gifts, more than 1,000 coats, 200 sets of colorful sheets, and more to ensure every family in Cobb Schools feels the season's magic.
From the central office staff adopting families to the mountain of coats donated by Cobb EMC—948 alone!—the spirit of giving sparkled throughout Cobb. The District’s social workers doubled as Santa’s helpers, delivering toys, coats, and sheets to families across the county. At Pearson Middle School, the “elves” got a little extra help from students, who cheerfully unpacked and sorted the rainbow array of sheets donated by PeachSkinSheets.
The magic didn’t stop there. Toy donations poured in at Sedalia Park Elementary School, making sure children woke up to a holiday filled with surprises. School social workers then delivered the toys to LaBelle Elementary School, Nickajack Elementary School, Birney Elementary School, Fair Oaks Elementary School, and Pine Mountain Middle School.
Over at Birney Elementary School, Salesforce once again stepped in as Santa’s team, raising funds to buy gifts for every single fifth-grader—a heartwarming tradition they started last year. The experience is the highlight of Amber Heath’s holiday season.
“One of my students told me today, after experiencing the magic of yesterday (the gift opening), that I’ve inspired him to be a teacher when he grows up,” shared the Birney fifth-grade teacher. “My scholars were shocked, overjoyed, and overflowing with excitement and gratitude. Some were even moved to tears as they opened their gifts and took everything in. To me, that is what this whole thing is all about. Our scholars deserve these joyous experiences.” This heartwarming tradition grew from a longtime friendship between Ms. Heath and Brandon Douglas, the Regional Vice President at Salesforce. Ms. Heath first recruited her college friend to help provide gifts to her students. Starting in 2023, he recruited his colleagues to multiply the joy and brighten the holidays for all Birney fifth graders.
Thanks to the Austell Police Foundation and Operation Christmas 2024, students at Hendricks Elementary School experienced the magic of the holidays. The community’s generosity created a memorable difference for Hendricks’ students and their families. 
While students were eagerly anticipating winter break, Cobb Schools social workers were busy filling their sleighs to deliver comfort and joy to families throughout the district. From cozy sheets to coats and toys, each donation was a reminder of the community’s care and compassion.
Even when schools let out for the holiday break, the Pearson Middle School team is carrying on the tradition of helping school families. Pearson's Fresh Market and Pilot’s Hangar will be open Saturday, December 21, from 8:30-10 am to help school families access the necessities they need.
Thanks to the generous hearts of Cobb staff, students, and community partners, countless families will celebrate a brighter, warmer holiday season.
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