SARALAND, Ala. (WALA) – You’ve seen him on FOX 10 stirring it up in the Studio 10 Kitchen — Thursday Barnyard Buffet owner JJ Nelson was paying it forward — donating nearly $4,000 to Saraland City Schools.
With his business operating in Saraland, JJ says it feels good to give back to families he serves.
“We see exactly where our money is going — we see these families every day and we wanted to do something real — something concrete,” said JJ.
And they could certainly use it. Since opening its doors nearly 20 years ago, Saraland City Schools has more than doubled in size from roughly 1,500 students to currently more than 3,400. While growth is good, it also presents more challenges for the independent school system.
“We continually have folks to step up. We like to say, ‘Together we are Spartans’ — and nothing says Spartan more than seeing that need and stepping up and taking action,” said Dr. Frankie Mathis, Saraland City Schools assistant superintendent.
“In Saraland City Schools, every student matters. I think that is on display year in and year out and it’s contagious. I think that spreads to a community and you can tell that we have a family mindset in our community,” said Shane Martin, Saraland City Schools chief school financial officer.
While Barnyard Buffet is just one of many community businesses that make contributions. JJ believes collectively they can continue to help with funding shortfalls.
“If we come together, these numbers are not that big. And actually, if we did sort of pitch in together for next year, we may be able to do more,” said JJ.
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