The Iredell-Statesville Schools Bible Association recently received a $1,000 grant from Walmart’s Community Giving Program.

The nonprofit will use the funds to continue teaching Bible in the Iredell public high schools. All of the funds go to pay teacher salaries and supply each student with a bible. In its 25 years, the ISSBA has found that 25% of the students do not attend any church so this may be their first exposure to the Bible.

Walmart states that strengthening local communities creates value for its business as well as society. It empowers each Walmart store, Sam’s Club and distribution center to strengthen and support their local communities through local donations, fundraising and participation in corporate cause-marketing campaigns. More than $1 billion has been awarded through this program, according to a news release.

“We are proud to be an active part of the community and grant programs is just one way we achieve this,” Walmart’s Scotty Byers said.

For more information, the public is invited to the Iredell-Statesville Schools Bible Association 25th Annual Banquet. It is free and open to the public. The banquet will be Thursday, Oct. 17 at noon at the Unity Center, located at 1145 Salisbury Road in Statesville. For more information, contact Jim Staples at 704-872-7671, email issbaonline@gmail.com or visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ISSBAOnline.