The Bolton/Knollwood Partnership has two primary goals: to encourage the faculty and staff at Bolton Elementary throughout the year and to support literacy work with the Bolton students. Knollwood volunteers demonstrate appreciation for the important work of the Bolton faculty and staff in ways including a lovely supper prior to the Open House before school starts; baskets of candy; a Christmas cake buffet; homemade and individually decorated cupcakes; Valentine’s candy boxes; and a grand breakfast buffet in May. In addition, the principal delivers a custom-made birthday card from Knollwood to each staff member on their birthday.

“I just wanted to say thank you for always taking such good care of us at Bolton Elementary. You are an encouragement to us. You have no idea how much a simple cookie made so many teachers’ days! We appreciate your kindness and for showing us God’s love.”

This email, written by a Bolton faculty member, arrived in the church’s inbox the morning after a basket of cookies was delivered in November to Bolton by a KBC volunteer.

Knollwood invests in supporting literacy with Bolton students by funding individual gift books for every student in the school twice a year. Just before winter break in 2023, Knollwood volunteers entered a fifth-grade classroom with gift books and saw a boy at his desk reading the book Knollwood had given him the spring before. His face split into a huge grin when he saw the KBC volunteers, and he said, “This is my favorite book! I read it all the time.” He and his classmates were excited to receive a new book for their home libraries.

The books are possible because of the church’s partnership with Bookmarks. KBC member Jamie Southern, executive director of Bookmarks, helps guide the selection of books. Bookmarks also passes along its significant purchase discount to the church so Knollwood dollars can stretch to include every Bolton child.

Knollwood also provides trained reading and math tutors through the Reading Warriors and Heart Math programs.