Like any institution, Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS) is only as good as its people. The faith-based private school is what it is today because of its students, its teachers, its administrators and its donors.

For that, LCCS has a lot to be grateful for.

"We have to teach ourselves and our children that not everything comes without a thank you," said Sandy Outlar, who's been LCCS' community relations coordinator for 15 years. "We can never forget that we have a lot to be grateful for. No one should miss the small voice inside that says, 'Thank you so much.' That's coming from deep in my heart."

One of the things that LCCS has to be thankful for is the financial support it receives through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which allows local businesses and individuals to direct up to 90% of their state tax obligation to schools. Those local businesses and individuals will be the focus of LCCS' Appreciation Breakfast, which will be served from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, in the school's student life center, located at 2390 New Holland Pike, Lancaster.

The event is free to attend, but visitors are requested to register by calling the school office at 717-556-0711.

"I think there'll be this feeling of effervescence," said Outlar. "I really believe people's hearts will be inspired and humbled hearing from students, colleagues and business partners. I think it's inspiring just knowing you're part of something good, helping to train young lives to the betterment of God's glory. It's that feeling when colleagues appreciate colleagues."

Nutritionally, LCCS' Appreciation Breakfast will consist of eggs, bacon, potatoes, a variety of pastries, orange juice, apple juice and coffee. But on a more spiritual level, the event will explore the ways in which the donors and EITC program impact the development of the school's students.

That financial support doesn't necessarily keep LCCS' doors open, but it does allow for more opportunities to experience the type of education that the school provides. A little more than half of LCCS' 317 families receive tuition aid, partly made possible through the EITC program.

"It plays a very significant role," said Outlar. "There are many students who can't afford a private education, and this legislation made it possible. It's one of the bipartisan issues that legislators don't argue about."

"I don't think it's a question of schools like LCCS existing or even thriving," Outlar continued. "We'd be trying to raise money to help families afford it in other ways."

About 75 people are expected to attend the breakfast, including 40 individuals or representatives of businesses that have supported or continue to support LCCS. The gathering will feature a keynote address titled "Building a Business While Being a Blessing in the Community" delivered by Ed Herr, the executive chairman of the board of Herr's Foods and Snacks.

The breakfast will also include testimonials from representatives of Dutch-way Farm Markets, Liberty Employment Solutions of Manheim and E.K. Bare & Sons of Bird-in-Hand. LCCS head of school Nate Long will address the audience about the future of the school, and LCCS fourth-graders will offer songs of praise.

"I felt it was more important to have a face-to-face thank you instead of a card," said Outlar of the breakfast's origin six years ago. "Each of (the donors) has a part in this educational institution. Now, we have more donors who are partners, and with the breakfast, we're involving more students, students who are benefiting from the program."

There are 535 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade currently enrolled at LCCS. The school employs 116 individuals, 64 of whom are faculty members.

LCCS was established through a merger of Lancaster Christian School and Living Word Academy in 2010.

"We've come a long way in the last five years," said Outlar. "I don't believe we're in competition in any way with other schools, except for in sports. We all deliver education differently. I think there's a very healthy and valuable interaction with other schools."

For additional information, go to https://lccs.cc.