At Brainerd High School (BHS), the Brainerd Believers Fund is a powerful expression of community care, support, and resilience. Launched by Principal Dr. Crystal Sorrells, the fund was created to “reignite our support throughout the community,” with contributions from alumni, local businesses, and more.
This year, the fund’s impact grew dramatically in response to severe flooding that affected Chattanooga in mid-August. “From that Wednesday to Saturday, we went from a text thread to a commercial, flyers, and then a full donation drive here at the school,” said Dr. Sorrells. “It was unreal how much community support walked through the door.”
With the help of City Councilman Dennis Clark, Brainerd High hosted the District 5 Flood Relief Donation Drive, collecting cleaning supplies, hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, and more. Significant support came from Walmart, and a second drive was held in partnership with Hooters on Brainerd Road.
Around 49 families have been supported through the relief effort, with approximately $1,600 in financial contributions and more than $20,000 in donated supplies. Needs were gathered through a Google resource form, which asked for household details, school supply lists, clothing sizes, and even included space for prayer requests. “The prayer requests have been powerful,” said Dr. Sorrells. “We share them amongst our team and really try to make sure that whatever the need is, we share it beyond our school building to make sure that they can get help and remain on the radar for others.”
While some families received essential items like diapers, clothing, and cases of water, others were connected to long-term resources. “We just got word a few days ago that one of the families was actually placed in a home,” Dr. Sorrells shared, thanks to collaboration with United Way, the City of Chattanooga, and the Hamilton County Foundation.
Students at BHS also played a crucial role: volunteering to pack, carry, and distribute supplies to families.
“We're helping them to understand how valuable their help is and trying to show them how much we appreciate them giving back,"
Dr. Sorrells said. Families simply called ahead, and students helped load their cars, reinforcing the school’s culture of service.
Beyond the crisis response, the Brainerd Believers Fund also enhances student and staff morale throughout the school year. It sponsors events like WOW Wednesdays, an incentive event for students who earn a B.A.G. (Behavior, Attendance, Grades) Pass. The year’s first event celebrated 200 students with outdoor games, food trucks, crafts, karaoke, and more. “We’re a Title I school, so while we can supply things like school supplies and direct classroom needs, we can’t always provide the things that keep students and teachers motivated and excited,” said Dr. Sorrells. “We use this fund to support student and staff incentives—things like school swag and celebrations.” BHS is a Community Forward School, which allows them to not only receive wrap-around student supports but also give back to their community and build connections.
For Dr. Sorrells and the Brainerd community, the fund is more than a source of material aid; it’s a reflection of shared values and the importance of helping others. “To see people step up and care for families they don’t even know, that speaks to what the community is all about. We’re going to continue to support in any way possible.”
To learn more or contribute to the Brainerd Believers Fund, visit:
