Georgia United Credit Union Awards West Chatham Elementary 2026 School Crashers Grant
POOLER, GA (March 10, 2026) – Imagine you’re a first grader who has had a hard morning at home before school. Maybe you’re struggling with big emotions, a behavioral disorder or you’re simply overwhelmed. Your teacher notices that you are having a difficult day and wishes there was a calming place where you could meet with the school counselor to take a break and reset before returning to class. But your school doesn’t have a sensory room – just regular classrooms with hard chairs and bright lights - and the only private place available is the principal’s office. If only there was a space designed just for you, with soft lighting, calming colors, cozy seating and sensory equipment that helps you feel regulated, supported and ready to try again. The right tools can make all the difference.
West Chatham Elementary Principal Bridget Gordon nominated her school for a makeover grant with a 250-word story and a photo of a small, empty room – earning one of five coveted Georgia United School Crashers projects scheduled for this summer. Principal Gordon requested a private calming space for over-stressed students to process their emotions. “Every child deserves a safe place to be seen, heard, and supported. This SEL room gives our students a space to pause, process, and return to learning stronger and ready to succeed."
This morning, a group of Georgia United Credit Union representatives arrived at the school with balloons and banners to make the announcement public. Georgia United Vice President Vickey McNeany spoke on behalf of CEO Laura King, “We are looking forward to serving our communities and strengthening our school systems through our thirteenth annual School Crashers program. This program is made possible by the Georgia United Foundation, credit union team members, generous donors, community partners and volunteers.”
“Whenever members use Georgia United for a car loan, home loan or checking account, a part of those funds are given back to the community through scholarships, financial education or through programs like School Crashers that deliver inspiring learning spaces that strengthen schools. By the end of the summer, School Crashers improvements will have impacted a total of 86 schools with improvements estimated at over $3.2 million since 2014.”
“As a district, we are committed to supporting the whole child and meeting students where they are,” said Kimberly McGuire, Executive Director of Counseling Services for Savannah‑Chatham County Public Schools. “The addition of a sensory and calming space at West Chatham Elementary expands access to social‑emotional supports that help students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.”
Following this morning’s announcement, Georgia United’s community development representatives will meet with the school to begin setting priorities and planning everything from paint and flooring to sensory equipment and comfortable seating. All facility upgrades to the space will be administered during summer break to ensure that regular instruction is not impacted. The new sensory room is scheduled to be ready for students and faculty to use by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Funding for the School Crashers program is provided by the Georgia United Credit Union, their 501c3 charitable Foundation, and generous donations made by community partners, with labor provided by volunteers. If you or your organization would like to contribute to this summer’s makeover program, visit www.gucufoundation.org/donate. To learn more about the School Crashers program and view photos of past School Crashers recipients, visit gucufoundation.org/schoolcrashers, where additional 2026 grant recipients will be listed as they are announced during the month of March.