School supplies drive Aug. 14
Quintay Kelley has a need to help young people.
“Growing up, besides a few teachers, I feel like a lot of students in my community didn’t have the proper guidance,” Kelley, 21, said. “So, with the love and support from my family and friends I was able to push through and do what needed to be done.”
The Tabor City man is hosting a back-to-school drive on Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. in the Grace Fellowship Church parking lot, located at 101 N. Lewis St., Tabor City.
Kelley is a fifth-year student at N. C. Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, and plans to graduate in May 2022 with two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Supply Chain Management. Soon after, Kelley plans to jump right back into school at A&T to get his master’s in Human Resources Management. He is a member of Holy Light Holiness Church in Tabor City, and this is his first project.
“I am very excited to put this on for my community,” says Kelley. “I am so happy that I have the support that I do from the community. They have truly helped and blessed me for this event. I just thank God for giving me the mind and opportunity to make this happen.”
Kelley went on to say that he would like to make this an annual event, and that in the future, as someone with a passion for the next generation, he plans to create more events to get the youth involved specifically.
“I wanted to give back and spend my spare time with the youth,” said Kelley. “I wanted to start with my siblings, cousins, and the other young ones that I saw often. Even though I am still young, I still feel as if there is something that I can still teach and guide them through.”
In Greensboro, Kelley started off volunteering at Victory Learning Center where he worked with 3-5 year olds. As time progressed, he branched off from that and during the pandemic began to work with kids through virtual learning. Now, Kelley works as a summer camp counselor in Greensboro at Victory Learning Center. He is currently in the process of starting his own mentor program in Tabor City.
“I am hoping to launch it (local mentor program) in the Spring of 2022,” Kelley said. “I have many goals and aspirations in life, but my biggest goal is to be successful when it comes to being a leader and mentor. I want to be able to help and support those that didn’t have the foundation that I was blessed with. I want to give back, and hopefully pave the way for those that are lost.”
To donate to the drive contact Quintay Kelley by phone at 832.207.5955
or email Quintaykelley728@gmail.com.
