A local principal is taking action to help victims of an apartment fire in the 900 block of Stevens Creek Road, including one of her school’s teachers.
Following a devastating fire on July 3, likely caused by fireworks, which resulted in the destruction of 16 units, Richmond County’s Gracewood Elementary School principal Renee Perry has begun a GoFundMe campaign and a furniture collection effort to help families who lost everything.
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The GoFundMe campaign was started by Perry with a $5,000 goal to support Tyteana Bussey, a third grade Graceland Elementary School teacher who lost her home in the fire, while she rehomes herself in a new apartment.
“[Bussey] was the last tenant that they could not find, and it just touched my heart so much because she’s such a sweet person,” Perry said.
Although Bussey suffered some significant medical issues this past spring, Perry said the teacher remained determined and dedicated to showing up to work to continue educating her students.
“I mean she’s such a giving person. She’s very loyal to our school and to our kids, so we just wanted to give back to her,” Perry said. “I have a very loving and gelled staff, and we take care of each other.”
Born and raised in Augusta, Perry said she knew starting the GoFundMe campaign would allow community and staff members to lend a helping hand to help Bussey back on her feet.
“We’re a Title I school system and when there’s a need we just jump out there,” Perry said. “Most of the principals and teachers I know – that’s just what we do. It’s just our way because we’re about helping kids and helping families.”
With 21 donations, the campaign has raised $880 of the $5,000 goal, but Perry is hopeful more Augustans will help out if the word is spread.
“[Bussey] is just overwhelmed with gratitude over everyone that has helped and every little thing that has come from this,” said Perry. “But right now, with her medical complications, it’s best if she has her own place.”
In addition to fundraising for Bussey, Perry and her staff are also encouraging community members to donate furniture to Gracewood Elementary School, located at 2032 Tobacco Road, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to help those trying to refurnish their new residences from last week’s fire.
“We’re going to try to help all 16 families and it’s been amazing,” Perry said. “It’s unbelievable the things that have come through the doors … I even have several male teachers who have been so generous as to go out and pick up the furniture.”
With three classrooms full of donations, ranging from beds and chairs, to dishes and appliances, Perry said the collected items will be equally divided amongst the fire’s victims.
“Those families will receive paperwork from the apartment complex and come through to select their items,” Perry said. “This was definitely a community effort. We received items from Thomson, Hephzibah, Wrens, Evans and Augusta.”
As the “fast and furious” effort continues, Perry and her staff are thanking everyone in advance for helping to successfully give back to those who had a less than celebratory Fourth of July.
“We are very thankful that everyone made it out safely,” Perry said.
For those share or donate to support Bussey’s GoFundMe campaign, CLICK HERE.
