Desmond T Doss Christian Academy

Hello, my name is Kary Clarke, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request to support the non-profit, K-10th grade private school, Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy (DTD) in Lynchburg, VA in two specific ways. My own sons attended Desmond Doss several years ago and I am sure that our family is not alone cherishing happy memories of years spent at this unique school. I’m hoping others will partner with me to help the school now. The money goes directly to the school's bank account. No one, including myself, is getting any monetary reimbursement for doing this.

In case you are unfamiliar DTD has always been inspired by the humble man whose name the school bears. This school empowers students through holistic education grounded in faith, character, and community service. A native of Lynchburg, Desmond Doss was a WWII combat medic who refused to carry a weapon, he only wanted to save lives. Despite being ostracized for his non-combatant religious beliefs he became the first “conscientious cooperator” to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism in the Battle of Okinawa, where he saved over 75 wounded men. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film "Hacksaw Ridge" portrays the selfless heroism of Desmond Doss accurately.

The school has been in its current location for 40 years. For those 40 years, they have prayed for a second road to their property, so their Russell Woods neighbors would not have to deal with so much traffic. Due to the traffic in 2015, the county restricted the school's ability to expand until additional land could be obtained for another entrance and exit. In God’s perfect timing an answer to prayer occurred this past year. The owners of the WaWa currently under construction on 29 South have generously donated the exact piece of land that has been prayed for these 40 years! Now the only steps are closing costs, surveying, materials, and building the road. However, these steps require raising funds beforehand. Also, the school needs to expand their budget to meet the rise in operational costs.

Consequently, the two goals for this GoFundMe project are:

• To raise $40,000 to cover the cost of putting in the new access road. (The kids want to call the new road The Desmond Doss Way, in light of the character Desmond had, that continues to inspire others.)

• The other goal is to enroll 40 new students who are interested in joining an active and welcoming school community where they may thrive.

It seemed to me that 40 was the perfect starting place. So please join me in exceeding our goals. It would be beyond words if we exceed $40,000. The school dreams of starting an endowment fund for worthy students and building up an emergency nest egg to pay for capital improvements and unexpected repairs.

Together, we can inspire the next generation of DTD students and create a lasting Christ-like change in our community as we turn this wonderful, answered prayer for land into a new access toad for this sweet school! 40 people willing to donate $1,000 is all it will take. Thank you for considering a generous donation to help this Christian Academy continue its vital work for children.

Here is the link to the school, in case you would like to get more information - https://desmondtdoss.org/

https://desmondtdoss.org/va-tax-credit-donations

https://desmondtdoss.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuition-Rate-Flyer-2025-revisedinMay-1.pdf