Eight Years of The Eagles Helping Eagles Program

East Jackson Comprehensive High School assistant principal Julie Crouch noticed there was a need within the community when she realized no programs were available to assist students 14 years old or above in receiving Christmas presents during the holiday season. Crouch knew there was something that could be done about it so she stepped up and took the project under her wing. 

Crouch and Shane Chaisson, a counselor at East High, created the Eagles Helping Eagles program in 2015. This year marks the eighth consecutive year of the program. The program will have served over 130 students after this year’s program.

Approximately 38 students will receive Christmas presents this year thanks to the Eagles Helping Eagles program taking place on December 19th. Students will be able to enjoy a Christmas breakfast the morning of receiving their gifts. 

“We knew that we had kids here who had siblings that were getting served but these kids weren't. So it just motivated us to see if we could be that kind of bridge? To be able to make sure these students are able to receive what they need and want for Christmas, it means a lot,” said Crouch.

“In the previous years, we’ve had kids request socks and body wash. We’ve been able to provide gifts such as TVs, bikes, and even a prom dress before.”

Students are able to get involved and encouraged to help their classmates, showing them they care and support one another through service. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has served breakfast in the past years, and this year the dance team will be serving breakfast. 

“This school has such a heart for philanthropy, when you talk about servantship and leadership, this is what it's about. Our students and community are getting involved to make sure that every student receives what they need. The most important thing about this is to show the kids how loved they are,” said Crouch.

This year there is a service learning class through the University of Georgia and they are sponsoring all of the stockings for the program. They will put together stockings stuffed with goodies such as nail files, Christmas cakes and candy. 

“We’ve had students before that work with Old Navy and they would use their employee discounts to buy clothing for other kids. We’ve had teachers purchase books in an effort to promote student's love of reading,” said Crouch. “With the help of our staff and community members, we’re able to have a successful program.”

Throughout the month of December, EJCHS has several holiday activities for students to get involved in and enjoy starting with Tinsel In A Tangle Tailgate on Dec. 1. Polar Express Day is one of the students favorite holiday activities, according to Crouch.

“This school has such a heart for philanthropy, when you talk about servantship and leadership, this is what it's about. Our students and community are getting involved to make sure that every student receives what they need. The most important thing about this is to show the kids how loved they are,” said Crouch.

The day consists of everyone wearing their pajamas to school and drinking hot chocolate. They also decorate a large Christmas tree with scarfs, mitts and stuffed animals that will then be donated to Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

Crouch has always had a heart for giving back to the community and making sure that no child feels left out. Outside of the Eagles Helping Eagles program, Crouch also created Drew’s Christmas Kids in honor of her late husband, Dr. Andrew Crouch.  

Serving others was something the Crouch’s kept dearly to their hearts and continue to do so today through these programs. 

With programs such as Eagles Helping Eagles, everyone is able to experience the holiday season. Most importantly, no child will feel left out during the holiday season. 

If you feel led to donate or make contributions towards the Eagles Helping Eagles Program you can contact Julie Crouch at Jcrouch@jcss.us or call East Jackson Comprehensive High School.