Seamless Summer could see decline without volunteers

ELLIJAY, Ga. – As Gilmer Schools and their nutrition department gear up for the coming Seamless Summer Program, Nutrition Director Linda Waters brought an unfortunate report to the School Board.

With a little over a month left to prepare, the School System still has not filled volunteer positions for every location they are running. According to Waters, they have already committed to the sites of First United Methodist Church, Tower Road, the Health Department, and the Boys & Girls Club.

However, in addition to the need for more volunteers, Waters said that the Mulberry Apartments site still doesn’t even have a sponsor. Waters also went on to say that they have come to understand a need at the Lakeside Trailer Park. Without sponsors, the risk is possible that the Seamless Summer Program could see these sites missing this year, leaving the need unanswered.

The main site of the program will see Gilmer Middle School serving as the prep center and “central hub” of the program that also serves summer clubs and camps as needed.

Having become an annual event, Waters noted this could be the first time in years that they might not have a presence at Mulberry Apartments. This could be a sign of decline in the community without sponsors and volunteers to oversee and manage what could be a growth in the program if the schools could open a new location at Lakeside as well.

Waters also delivered a new flier asking for additional volunteers for the program as she continues seeking those who might serve.