Retirees to buy pillows, sheets for Ronald McDonald House

Residents and staff at Washington Commons want to help families in need sleep more soundly.

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The Evans retirement community is seeking donations to purchase 40 pillows, eight queen-size sheet sets and containers of laundry detergent for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The house, on Greene Street in Augusta, offers a place to stay for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving care at area hospitals.

"It's just the idea of wanting to help in our community," said Holley Howard, the activities director at Washington Commons. "We love children. We just want to do something to help out those families."

This year marks the first time Washington Commons has organized this fundraiser, Howard said, adding that the idea came about because she often drives by the Ronald McDonald House.

Though monetary donations and gift cards are preferred, Howard said that the specific items needed also will be accepted.

Howard said she would like to present the donations to representatives of the Ronald McDonald House at Washington Commons on the final day of the drive.

"So far, most of the donations have come from the residents," Howard said. "I'm hoping we can get everything that they need."

The drive is one way for Washington Commons residents to contribute to the community, Howard said.

"It's nice because it's the kind of thing where even if you give a small donation, it goes a long way towards buying a pillow," she said.

The donations can be delivered to the retirement community from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. through Friday.

To participate in the pillow drive, leave donations either with Howard or a manager at Washington Commons, located at 100 Washington Commons Drive off Washington Road across from Club Car, in Evans.