Web site allows giving for Special Olympics

Columbia County police are working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Georgia.

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Now they've set up ways the public can help.

As in previous years, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office is selling T-shirts, hats, koozies and car-window stickers to benefit the organization, which provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Sgt. Eric Snowberger, the coordinator for the fundraising efforts, said a Web site also has been set up for monetary donations.

"We have done the shirts and stuff before," said Snowberger, of the Community Services Division.

"As far as the Web site, this is the first year we've done it."

The public can make donations to benefit Special Olympics Georgia at www. firstgiving.com/columbiacountyso.

"We're trying to open it up to the public," Deputy Cynthia Edenfield said.

T-shirts and hats cost $10. Koozies cost $2, and stickers cost $1.

The sheriff's office has supported the event since the late 1990s and usually holds a Law Enforcement Torch Run in the spring to carry the Special Olympics Georgia torch through the county.

"We've got some other events that we are working on," Snowberger said, "one that we hope to get set by the end of the month. I can't let the cat out of the bag yet."

Snowberger said sheriff's office employees help train Special Olympics athletes at Greenbrier Middle School and help with local games, usually held at a Greenbrier school, and the regional games scheduled for April 1 at Fort Gordon.

Columbia County's Special Olympics begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Greenbrier High School.

Sheriff's office employees also will be attending and assisting at the state summer games at Emory University, May 29-31.

Snowberger said the merchandise will be on sale through the summer games. To order, call (706) 541-2856.

"But you can donate all year long," Snowberger said.

"The Web site will be up year-around."