The Growing Friendships Club, a seniors organization designed to keep older Scotland County citizens involved in community affairs, is still going strong several decades after its formation, according to its Publicity Chairperson Nan Johnson.

"The club was begun with the intention of keeping the aging population of the area active in supporting legislation and programs that benefit the elderly," Johnson said, "as well as to support good fellowship among members. The club continues to be faithful to those original objectives."

The rewards accrued from the group's annual fundraising events are twofold, according to Johnson.

"Working together for good causes helps grow closer club friendships and introduces us to new friends and neighbors. Sharing the proceeds of our hard work is one of the rewards of membership, and is our way of helping to bring aid to some of our neighbors in need."

On Jan. 19 the organization continued its tradition of giving when it presented a check to Virginia Ray, the originator and leader of the "In As Much" program, a group "working to assure that the many needy school children of Scotland County will have nourishment on weekends when no school meals are available", Johnson said.

Ray was happy to receive the donation.

"We are very grateful for this contribution from the Growing Friendships Club," Ray said. "At a time when we are delivering 490 bags of food per week, this donation is certainly appreciated."

Johnson extends thanks to all who have supported the group's fundraising endeavors.

"During the past year we have been able to give monetary assistance to the American Legion to help upgrade Legion Park, and to the Scotland Senior Games Committee to help support our senior athletes," Johnson said. "We appreciate and offer thanks to all our friends who have been so faithful in supporting our efforts."

The club also presented a check to Mark Gretch, executive director of the Scotland County Literacy Council, "to help cover part of the cost of raising the literacy rate here in Scotland County.

"There is a great need for both of these services in Scotland County," Johnson said, "and the members of the Growing Friendship Club are proud to be able to help."