COLQUITT COUNTY, Ga. — A Colquitt County High School class is making a difference for children who are in the foster care system.
Building life skills and making a difference, that's what students at Colquitt County High School are doing in their community.
"There's so many foster kids out there that need a good home. They find a good home but sometimes they just need a little help," said John McFarland, a construction teacher at Colquitt County High.
When McFarland learned about the need in his community, he put his classroom to work.
McFarland and his students have tackled toddler beds and even bunk beds. The Forgotten Initiative (TFI), which supports foster families, says the need is huge.
"There's over 13,000 children in foster care in Georgia and foster parents and the system is very eager to keep children, especially siblings together," said Amber Schwalls, Colquitt County TFI Advocate.
So each day, these high school students roll up their sleeves, eager to help those less fortunate.
"It feels great, like I have a reason and a purpose. It makes me feel good," said Alexia Garcia, a junior at Colquitt County High.
They're learning skills that will last a lifetime.
"If we were ever to be in situations, especially for me being a girl, like other boys kind of know a lot more stuff, but if I am ever in some sort of situation and I don't have any other resources except myself, I can help myself and not depend on other people," said Garcia.
But also learning the value of giving back.
"I try to instill in them to give back to the community and I thought this is an excellent opportunity to kinda give back to their community," said McFarland.
The foster children get to keep the beds, even after they leave the foster care system.
