'Season Of Giving' Launched In Douglas County, Donations Needed

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — Douglas County's Department of External Affairs Youth Commission and Connect Douglas launched the "Season of Giving" program, and the entities need the community's help to gather donations for Douglas County neighbors in need.

The "Season of Giving" is an inaugural community engagement initiative "with a goal to uplift, support and spread holiday cheer" to county residents, which will run through Jan. 3, according to a news release. Connect Douglas will be hosting donation drives, promotions via social media and giveaways throughout the county and on each of the four public bus service fixed routes.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to donate food, clothing, toiletry items and toys throughout the "Season of Giving." All donated items will benefit designated Douglas County nonprofits and Toys for Tots.

Donation items can be dropped off at the Connect Douglas Multi-Modal Transportation Center (MMTC) at 8800 Dorris Road, or the Douglas County Courthouse at 8700 Hospital Drive. Both locations are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each location has a stop on the Connect Douglas bus routes 10/20/40.

People donating items will get one free trip pass for the Fixed Route Bus Service, with a limit of three free trips per person.

"The 'Season of Giving' is a great way to give to our neighbors while getting something in return," the release said.

Here's what you can donate:

• New, unwrapped toys.
• Non-perishable food items
  • Canned meats (tuna, salmon or chicken in water)
  • Canned beans
  • Instant potatoes
  • Rice/grains
  • Foil and cooking pans
  • Cooking oils (vegetable oil or olive oil)
  • Food vouchers or area grocery store gift cards
• Clothing items
  • New gloves, hats, scarves, underwear and socks
  • New or gently used coats
• Blankets
• Toiletry items:
  • Feminine products
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Bar soap
  • Toilet paper

For more information, visit connectdouglas.com.