Retirees collect for needy kids

An Evans retirement community is holding a fundraiser to help Columbia County children in need.

//

Washington Commons is holding a week-long back-to-school fundraiser beginning today. The retirement community on Washington Road across from Club Car will be a drop-off site for Wal-Mart gift cards, school supplies and monetary donations through Saturday.

"Basically, we're just going to give whatever we collect to (the Columbia County Sheriff's Office), so they can distribute it through their Day With a Deputy program," said Holley Howard, the community's Enrichment coordinator.

The program, which the sheriff's office conducts each December, allows children in need to spend a day before Christmas shopping with deputies at Wal-Mart. The children are recommended by the county's Department of Family and Children Services.

The community also held a fundraiser for the program in the spring

Howard said donations can be left with her or at the community manager's office between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call Howard at (706) 860-0402.