SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Richmond County School System (RCSS) with a check for over $11,000, representing money raised for the district through the bank’s High School Affinity Debit Card Program.
Richmond County high schools have been participating in the program since June of 2024, bringing in a total of $11,317.80 just for 2024 alone – as of March 31, 2025, the program brought RCSS schools an additional $13,312.05.
In total, the program has brought RCSS a total of $24,629.00
How the program works
Every time a purchase is made using an affinity debit card, SRP donates money to the school for which that particular card represents. Cardholders can select from a list of participating schools to choose where the donation money will go.
The money that goes back to each school can be used for things like books, equipment, materials, programs and any other necessary fees. Shana Reid, SRP chief development officer, said that in the past, schools have used the funds for everything from uniforms and instruments to updated technology and building improvements.
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According to Grace Helms, SRP assistant vice president of Community Development, Lucy C. Laney High School is leading the charge in adopting the program, with the highest number of program-supporting cardholders at 729.
“We’re very proud of all the schools’ participation rate,” said Helms.
‘An amazing blessing to contribute’
After the check presentation, RCSS Board President Shawnda Stovall said that she routinely changes her card to benefit another district high school, going in for an update each month.
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“It’s been such an amazing blessing to contribute,” Stovall said. “This is a way for us to contribute to our school in our community just by doing what we love to do, by shopping and using our card.”
Locals can switch to an Affinity Debit Card by calling 803-278-4851 or by visiting a local branch. A list of participating South Carolina and Georgia schools is available online.
