SMSS volunteers Barbara Veal and Lynn Heck display books donated to the organization. The annual book drive ends Friday, Feb. 12.SMSS by the numbers
› 161 households received services› 16 new clients› 27 files closed› 38 students tutored from elementary to high school level› 2 elementary tutors added, for a total of seven tutors› $7,300 in tuition scholarships awarded› 39 extracurricular activities offered, including summer camps, dance and band participation› 20 appliance and furniture donations coordinated for families in need› 86 households served by the Food Pantry, distributing 1,121 bags of food with an estimated value of $25,214
To continue its focus on education, Signal Mountain Social Services is encouraging more local residents in need to apply for its college scholarship, as well as promoting its annual book drive at Thrasher and Nolan Elementary schools.
“Education is how people better themselves and get themselves out of the situation they are in,” said Deseret Ward, director of communications for SMSS. “Education changes lives.”
The private nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to helping people in need in the 37377 ZIP code, started offering scholarships for the first time last year. Open to local graduating high school seniors and adults returning to school, the scholarships are awarded based on need and can be renewed annually if GPA and volunteer requirements are met.
In 2015, SMSS awarded three scholarships to high school students graduating in May and two scholarships to adults returning to school, she said.
“We want to get the word out so more folks apply,” said Ward.
One unique aspect of the scholarship offered through SMSS is that it can be applied toward the summer term, she said. People who are interested in receiving a scholarship for this summer’s term need to submit their application by March 15.
Applications and details concerning requirements and criteria for selection can be found on SMSS’ website at signalmountainsocialservices.org.
Through Friday, Feb. 12, SMSS is collecting used books for all reading levels at both elementary schools, and books can also be dropped off at SMSS during office hours, or after hours can be left on the steps leading upstairs or placed in the donation bin with a note specifying the books are for the drive, she said.
SMSS uses the books for its tutoring program, and newer books for children are also used as rewards for students making good grades, Ward said.
SMSS is at 633 Mississippi Ave. For more information contact Executive Director Mary Lee Ziebold at 886-5982 or visit signalmountainsocialservices.org.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.