Helping a drug-infested community get back on its feet became the mission of some 24 students from Landmark Christian School in Fairburn as they dedicated their summer to working with residents of the Cora Bottom community in Cora, W. Va.

The students, 18 from the Landmark Middle School and four from the high school, accompanied by four adults, conducted Vacation Bible School within the community and spent a week cleaning up an area known for its seedy population and drug traffic.

“Local law enforcement officers as well as the residents of Cora are well aware that drug dealings are conducted in Cora Bottom virtually 24 hours a day,” a spokesperson said. “And they do it in plain view of the children who are playing. Prostitution and gunshots and drug-related violence are part of every night living.”

The clean-up effort was supported by scores of volunteers from local churches. Abandoned houses were torn down, trash and litter were removed and roadway lighting was being installed.

“It really was a physical and spiritual cleanup of the community,” the spokesperson said. “But the battle is not over. Community workers and volunteers as well as local church members will continue to be a force in the area, keeping up their efforts to clean up Cora Bottom for the community and for the Lord.”

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