Two Columbus organizations are making a major donation to help children in Georgia

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers are giving hope to children in need – all thanks to a generous donation.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, the two organizations presented a $25,000 donation to the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes at the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Working to support less fortunate children across the state, Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes is able to receive donations and invest them in housing, education and meals for children.

“All of these kids, they’re going to age out of this system at some point,” said Jack Warden, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers. “Our goal is for kids to have a path so they don’t take a wrong turn and get into trouble; we see this as a helping hand, not a hand out.”

There are currently five Sheriff’s Youth Homes in Georgia dating back to the 1960s; in Columbus, the closest youth center is in LaGrange. Many of the children in the program come from the Division of Family and Children’s Services, often needing someone to guide them to a brighter future.

“These are kids who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times,” said J. Terry Norris, executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs Association. “The whole mission for youth homes is to provide a safe and healthy home for kids who don’t have a home.”

Education is the program’s top priority, providing children with the funds to succeed in the classroom. Through donations and community support, Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes is able to temporarily house children and provide them with the stability they need to grow.

“I think of the Bible verse in Luke about the Good Samaritan — that there are some who will choose to walk past her,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “No Georgia Sheriff Youth Home; one of the greatest things we can do for our children is to invest in them.”

To make a donation to Sheriff’s Youth Homes of Georgia, visit Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes.