Pam Lien
Knitting For Others
“We knit baby hats for University hospital,” says Pam. The Knitting for others group has been meeting for fifteen years and has made thousands of hats for newborns. Pam drops off the hats every few months. “We take anywhere from 100 to 150. The nurses get so excited when they come in,” says Pam. “We also make teeny tiny little hats for Resurrection Lutheran Church. They make tiny hats, dresses, and blankets for babies who have passed,” says Pam. The ladies of Knitting for Others meet at the Fury’s Ferry Goodwill every Thursday from 10am to 2pm.
Officer Payne, Board of Education School District Police
Greenbrier Middle School
We would like to say thank you to Officer Payne who protects our children at Greenbrier Middle School! A typical day for Officer Payne involves greeting students, checking the building to make sure all doors and windows are locked, and making sure everything is safe at school.
“It’s the kids that really make it for me. At the end of the year last year, I had a student come up to me and she gave me a card and thanked me. She told me that I had really helped her out and that I was like a second father to her. It was really touching,” says Officer Payne.
Columbia County Cares
Donna Player, Director
The Columbia County Cares Food Pantry has been in operation for twenty five years. Director Donna Player tells us that they average between 150 to 250 customers per month. “People can come and get groceries free of charge. We provided meat, canned goods, and health and comfort items to those who are in need. Since the cost of groceries started skyrocketing, we’re starting to see an increase in our customer base,” says Donna.
Columbia County Cares operates off of donations. Some of the top items they are currently in need of is meat, toilet paper, soaps, laundry detergent, sugar, and flour. Columbia County Cares is open Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 2:00pm and is located at 1959 Appling Harlem Road. For more information on how you can help, call Donna at (xxx)xxx-xxxx.
Karen Strite
Upside of Downs
“We are a Down syndrome support group to encourage families and provide links to helpful resources that can be found in the area,” explains Karen Strite, the organization’s president. “We have social events and provide scholarships for individuals with Down syndrome for education and for participation in programs like Steps of Grace Ballet. Additionally, we are trying to bring Gigi’s Playhouse to the area and would love the community’s support in doing so.”
On October 22nd, Upside of Downs will hold its annual fundraiser, the Buddy Walk, at Evans Towne Center Park. For more information on participating in the walk and for other helpful resources, visit www.upsideofdownsinc.com and follow Upside of Downs – Augusta, GA on Facebook.