Beginning a successful school year for Fruitland Park Elementary, “Operation Bless Fruitland Park” held a blessing and breakfast for teachers to show supportive appreciation on Friday morning at Community United Church.
Teachers arrived wearing matching shirts with the motto “Mission…I’m Possible,” signifying the school’s new theme of success for this year.
The Rev. Sidney Brock of Heritage Community Church explained that “Operation Bless Fruitland Park” is a cooperative effort of churches and individuals focusing on children and schools to bring about change and awareness.
The school is not the exclusive focus, however, it is a very essential and key part of the group’s mission to work as a team and positively affect the community.
“When you impact the lives of teachers, you impact lives of kids and the lives of their families,” Brock said.
“Operation Bless Fruitland Park” has been active since December of 2014 and has done many generous deeds for the school. Activities such as school clean up days, teacher appreciation days, and raising funds have created a strong partnership between the group and Fruitland Park Elementary.
Principal Tammy Langley noted that the group has been “very welcoming and extremely accommodating.”
She expressed gratitude for the group’s willingness to reach out and stated that her teachers feel very appreciated.
“We are able to do special projects because of the financial support,” Langley said.
The event, which was coordinated by Fruitland Park’s Recreation Director Michelle Yoder, has been planned since March. Before the breakfast, Brock opened up with a few words regarding the new school year.
Daryll and Debbie Allen were then introduced as Community United Church’s new pastors. Following the introduction was a congratulation to Chief Mike Fewless, who was appointed back in July as Fruitland Park’s new chief of police.
On Thursday, a meeting will take place at Fruitland Park Elementary to present a check from the group’s “Project Generosity.”
Brock hopes that Operation Bless Fruitland Park continues as a “consistent, ongoing support system” of churches, businesses, and individuals to create awareness and resources for the community, starting with the school.
