Hillcrest Elementary School has launched a “20 For 20” campaign to raise $20,000 for 20 classrooms between Sept. 7 and Nov. 9.

The campaign is the result of a partnership between Hillcrest and the Chattanooga Area Chamber’s Enterprise Gateway Council. Through the partnership Hillcrest has developed relationships with several businesspeople in the Highway 58 area, according to Hillcrest Principal Katrina Overton.

“Already one Hillcrest fifth grade class has been adopted by John Ballinger, owner and founder of Business Owners Benefits and president-elect of the Enterprise Gateway Council,” Ms. Overton said. “The library media center has been adopted as well by Huddle House on Brainerd Road.”

Through the adoption the business makes a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 for the purpose of buying reading rugs, books and shelves, lamps and chairs, writing materials, and other items to make the classrooms more conducive to learning, Ms. Overton said.

In addition, the business agrees to build relationships between their employees and the students in the classroom they choose to adopt. These relationships are developed through business staff visits to the classrooms for sharing about themselves and their businesses, reading aloud to the students and mentoring students who may be at-risk.

“This adoption program offers an incredible opportunity for local area businesses to make a lasting impression on young people who will most likely remain in the Chattanooga area and become productive citizens who in turn give back to their community,” Mr. Ballinger said. “It also gives us the chance to improve the school’s learning environment and influence the future workforce.”

Ms. Overton said that since Hillcrest representatives began meeting with the Enterprise Gateway Council four months ago, the school has benefited from several improvements.

“Lectrus came in and donated all the labor to paint the school’s hallways and office, while Hamilton County provided the paint,” she said. “Kinder’s Furniture Company gave the school an excellent deal on new office furniture, and Karen Goldman at Office Furniture Warehouse donated a beautiful solid wood desk and leather chair.”

Businesses interested in donating to the 20 For 20 campaign are asked to contact Overton at 855-2602. Find out more about Hillcrest by visiting http://www.hillcrestsoars.com/Hillcrest/Home.html.