Helping the community is a part of the culture in Athens High School’s athletic department.

While he’s always been a team favorite on the baseball team and a helpful hand, one Athens student started helping those more than 600 miles away when they need it most.

John Lawrence Chittam started a project named “Project: Apollo Beach Dolphins,” which aims to help students and families of those who attend Apollo Beach K-8 School in Apollo Beach, Florida, fulfill classroom needs.

Many of those who attend the school and their families suffered the loss of their homes after Hurricane Helene and then dealt with more severe weather from Hurricane Milton this week.

“Really what we’re doing is getting a wishlist from all the teachers at that school, which will be after Hurricane Milton that’s coming in,” Chittam told AL.com. “I’m going to send that wishlist out on Amazon through Gmail to all of my donors.”

Chittam’s project will be through the support of donors who want to donate items or “adopt a classroom” to fulfill the needs of students, families and teachers. Those interested in donating can email [email protected] for more information.

“He’s a team favorite,” Athens baseball coach Mike Murphree said. “Obviously last year was my first year with him, and I was helping with football, so I’m still getting to know these guys a little bit, but he’s a ‘yes sir, no sir’ kid, he’s always got a smile on his face.

“He’s a hard-working kid, you know, middle infielder/pitcher. He is a classy kid with a classy family.”

Chittam was inspired to start this project shortly after he saw the impact of Hurricane Helene on the news and saw how much more was coming for those living in Florida.

“If our town was going through this, you’d want somebody to help,” Chittam said. “That’s basically what I’m trying to do.

“My teachers and all the people at my school and my parents, they’ve always told me to help the ones in need. It’s been talked about, it’s been on the news and I just decided I want to help.”

Murphree, who used to coach at Jacksonville State University alongside legendary coach Jim Case, said Case always ensured his players embraced the golden rule. While Murphree aimed to bring that philosophy to Athens, the school provides a strong culture of community support and uplifting each other.

“My number one is to treat people the way you want to be treated,” Murphree said. “(Case) always told us to look to find somebody to help, and that’s what we talk with these guys about and everything. We have them just something to help the school out, we have them wipe tables down at lunch.

“Our football team and coach Gross, he has football players take out the trash. Just a way to find people to help, that’s who John Lawrence is. He’s very helpful and tries to help other people out.”

Chittam has already had plenty of support from those in the community, hoping that his project will continue to grow and help those in Florida.

“I’ve had around 40 people reach out trying to donate,” he said.