COOK COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – The Cook County School System is paying tribute to one of its own through a heartfelt act of giving.

In memory of longtime school resource officer Major Terry “Turtle” Arnold, the district is hosting the Major Terry “Turtle” Arnold Memorial Food Drive. Arnold, who served the Cook County schools for years, passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack while on campus.

The school system is encouraging staff and faculty to donate $10, which will go toward purchasing canned goods and non-perishable food items for local families in need. All donations will support Saving Our Cook Kids (SOCK) and stay within Cook County.

Superintendent Joy Folsom said the effort reflects the same compassion Arnold showed every day.

“He served this campus every single day. This is our way of giving back the same way he did with a full heart,” Folsom said.

The drive aims to help families prepare for the colder months, as food insecurity continues to rise across the region.

WALB’s Taylor Lewis will have more from staff who worked alongside Arnold and from his daughter, Rebecca Turner, as they share how his legacy of service continues to inspire the community.

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