East Savannah United (ESU) today announced that it received a $20,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific Savannah to support construction of the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) in east Savannah. The SPLOST-funded center is a public-private partnership among Chatham County, the City of Savannah, and ESU, and is being built on land provided through a long-term ground lease with the Housing Authority of Savannah. Construction has reached a major milestone, with the structure now fully vertical and roofing work underway.

Once completed, the 20,000-square-foot ECLC will serve 144 children from six weeks to four years old and will also house a public library, a health clinic, and a training hub for local childcare providers. Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the center represents a significant investment in neighborhood revitalization and long-term economic mobility on Savannah’s east side.

“We are grateful to Georgia-Pacific Savannah for investing in the future of East Savannah families,” said Derek Mallow, Executive Director of East Savannah United. “While public funding has made this project possible, additional private support is essential to fully open the center. This gift helps close that gap and brings us closer to delivering a high-quality, community-anchored resource that will benefit children and families for generations.”

Extensive research shows that access to high-quality early childhood education improves school readiness, long-term academic achievement, and lifetime earning potential, while helping to break cycles of intergenerational poverty. The early years are also a critical period for brain development, making early investment especially impactful.

“At Georgia-Pacific, we believe that building strong communities is as important as building strong products,” said Reginald Ward, plant manager, Georgia-Pacific Savannah. “Our donation to East Savannah United reflects our commitment to supporting organizations that take a holistic approach to community needs—addressing education, health, housing, and economic opportunities all together. Georgia-Pacific is proud to partner with East Savannah United as they work tirelessly to create life changing improvements in our city."