Walk the halls of Gwin Oaks Elementary in any given classroom, and chances are a volunteer from Cannon United Methodist Church is in the room or around the corner.

They may be making copies, stuffing bags with gummy bears or reading with a kindergartener. All in the name of Jesus.

It’s a partnership that sprung out of the economic downturn about nine years ago when many Gwin Oaks parents had to find jobs, and sometimes second or third jobs to make ends meet. That led to a void of parent support in the school.