The coast of South Carolina was hit terribly by the massive Hurricane Matthew. Towns on the coast were ravaged and many of their buildings were destroyed in the storm and the aftermath is even worse.

Chapman High School is now aiding in the effort to help Marion County after the turmoil of the storm.

“We have a connection with a former teacher from Chapman who worked in Marion County,” Administrative Assistant Allison Mathis said. “We then presented the idea to the department heads in the school, and they were empowered to get the students involved.”

The needs for Marion County were divided between the departments and all the athletic teams who would collect items such as notebooks, bottles of water and sports drinks, trash bags and hygiene items.

“We have collected a lot of Gatorade and water, children’s books, school supplies and Hygiene supplies,” Mathis said.

“We have collected three-ring binders and other school supplies as well as drinks,” social studies teacher Steve Fusaro said. “I had a parent who works at Coca Cola donate 12 cases of water as well.”

The school has also collected money and donations.

“For the past week, we have been collecting money,” social studies teacher Will Maley said.  “The soccer guys have brought in bottles of water, trash bags and paper towels.”

“With the money Coach Maley has collected, we will deposit it and buy all new books for the Marion County schools from Barnes & Noble,”Mathis said

The relief program will be a great help for the people of Marion County after such a hard time.

“Every little bit helps no matter if it’s big or small,” Maley said.

“I believe that everyone should take the opportunity to give back,” Fusaro said. “We have been created to help each other and we need to help those in need in case later on we need help.”