THOMASVILLE — Making children happy might sound easy, but it can be a difficult task when certain aspects of a child’s life are not up to par — or absent altogether. 

Children and their needs are the focus of Nolij Foundation Inc., an organization founded by a former Thomas County resident who wants to ensure needs of children in his hometown are met.

Nolij is the phonetic spelling of knowledge, foundation founder Alan Campbell said

Nolij began as $1,000 book scholarships awarded to students at Thomasville High School and Thomas County Central High School, Campbell’s alma mater.

The ongoing scholarships commemorate Campbell’s late father, Wallace Campbell.

Nolij has branched out into mentorships and distribution of school supplies, among other areas.

Nolij, in partnership with a AT&T, recently distributed 700 school supply parcels at the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club in Thomasville.

The foundation will work with Family PLUS, a new mentoring program at the Thomasville Boys & Girls Club.

Campbell said Nolig will focus on low-income families in an attempt to “fill a gap” and help children excel in academics.

“They may need help to guide them,” said Campbell, an Atlanta resident, who is employed by Cox Enterprises as overseer of U.S. mobile options.

Campbell, son of Carolyn Campbell of Thomasville, received a degree in business marketing and finance at Columbus State University and a masters in executive business administration at Kennesaw State University.

His wife, Angela Campbell, said tutoring is an additional support system for parents. Nolig also informs children about careers and opportunities available to them, she said.

“Our goal is to partner with the children and end in making everyone happy,” she said.

Nolij and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America were taking children to movies where they met other youngsters in a fun environment.

Enter COVID-19, and fun movie projects ended.

Alan Campbell’s primary focus is Thomasville. He understands the community and wants to impact local children.

“It’s time to come back and give more,” the 2005 TCCHS graduate said. 

He said it is time for people his age to “step up and help.”

“As long as I’ve known Alan, he has been passionate about his community,” Angela Campbell said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820