Harvesting knowledge: Nonprofit helping kids learn for 20 years

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WILMINGTON — Even during a worldwide pandemic, one local nonprofit has been finding ways to help kids with schoolwork.

Entering its 20th year, Harvest of Gold was hoping to have a big celebration of that milestone alongside the Clinton County Youth Council. But, like a lot of people and groups, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered plans and their usual operations. But they were still able to help their students.

“We’ve able to hold tutoring sessions virtually,” said Executive Director Eleanor Harris. “We recently finished a very good summer program. We’re going to do a virtual program of some sort when the school year starts.”

Harvest of Gold offers help with school work to K-5 students. Harris indicated that, while they mostly stick to helping with reading and writing, they do help with other subjects.

“We want to have one-on-one time with each child,” said Harris.

During the school week (Monday-Thursday), kids stop in to get one-on-one help from the group at Bible Missionary Baptist Church. The help comes from retired teachers, along with students from Wilmington College and Wilmington High School. Each day of the week is dedicated to a different grade level.

Outside of not being able to do planned festivities, another issue the pandemic has presented is financial. A golf event held to raise funds at the Elks Club was canceled.

“It’s hard to go and get bigger grants. Especially when you’re trying to make sure you have what you need for each student,” said Harris.

She told the News Journal they’ve been receiving donations from local individuals and companies.

“We’re incredibly appreciative of the companies who have donated, the grant we received from United Way, and for all the small donations we’ve received,” she said.

If you wish to make a donation to Harvest of Gold, mail it to P.O. Box 1061, Wilmington, OH 45177.

Addie Mattingly participates in a Harvest of Gold virtual program this summer via Google Classroom.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/web1_harvest-2.jpegAddie Mattingly participates in a Harvest of Gold virtual program this summer via Google Classroom. Submitted photos

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/web1_harvest-3.jpgSubmitted photos

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/web1_harvest-4.jpgSubmitted photos

Prior to the pandemic, a young student gets some one-on-one time at Harvest of Gold.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/web1_harvest-1.jpgPrior to the pandemic, a young student gets some one-on-one time at Harvest of Gold. Submitted photos
Nonprofit helping kids learn for 20 years

By John Hamilton

[email protected]

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574

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