Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun County School District marked the first day of the 2025–2026 school year on August 6 with its second annual “Feeding of the 5,000,” an initiative in which local churches and community partners provided meals for more than 1,250 district employees and their families.
The effort began in 2024 when Superintendent Tony Willis introduced the idea of partnering with churches to serve every staff member’s family a meal on the first day of school. Previously organized on a much smaller scale, the event grew into a major undertaking in Calhoun County, requiring the collaboration of churches from across the area.
This year, participating congregations included Angel Grove Baptist Church; Anniston First Baptist Church of McClellan; Cornerstone Fellowship Church; Covenant Life Ministries; Eastaboga Baptist Church; Eulaton Baptist Church; First Baptist Church of Ohatchee; First Baptist Church of Saks; First Baptist Church of Weaver; First Baptist Church of White Plains; First Missionary Baptist Church; First United Methodist of Ohatchee; Grace Fellowship; Great Ebenezer Baptist Church; Greenbrier Road Baptist Church; Hillcrest Baptist Church; Lakeview Baptist Church; Leatherwood Baptist Church; Mt. Zion Baptist Church; New Beginnings Fellowship – a Global Methodist Church; New Haven Baptist Church; Oak Bowery Baptist Church; Ohatchee Church of Christ; Ohatchee Church of God; Plainview Church; Plum Springs Baptist Church; Ragan Chapel Methodist; Redeemed Recovery; Saks Baptist Church; West Point Baptist Church; and Westwood Baptist Church.
Michael Webb, president of the Calhoun County Board of Education, said the turnout reflects the district’s strong ties with local congregations. He noted that when the idea was first proposed, he questioned whether it could succeed for a system with more than 1,200 staff members. “Our community and our churches are so strong, so willing, and so giving. They showed up and showed out,” Webb said.
Superintendent Willis called the event a blessing, emphasizing that the collaboration between churches and schools remains an important part of the community. He noted that these congregations not only assist with this back-to-school tradition but also contribute to other school initiatives throughout the year.
Sam’s Club of Oxford also provided support for the event. Organizers say the annual gathering is intended as both a warm welcome for staff and a gesture of appreciation for their ongoing commitment to students.
*Photos Courtsey of Calhoun County Schools
