The Dawson County Woman’s Club and local Young Life organization each received $1,000 Dec. 29 from the Dawson County Wal-Mart on Ga. 400.

“We do this once a year, giving each organization a $1,000 check,” said Cecil Bennett, community involvement coordinator of the local Wal-Mart.

This is the second year that Wal-Mart has donated to these two organizations, according to Bennett.

The Woman’s Club is a non-profit, volunteer organization that focuses on art, conservation, education, international and public affairs, and home life within the Dawson community. The club strives to help various needs within the county that concern the needs of women, children and residents.

“We donate our time, our efforts and fundraisers to make Dawson County a better place for all,” said  2008 Woman’s Club President Pat Cavanaugh.

Examples of programs that the woman’s club supports include literacy programs, GED education, domestic violence, prevention and elimination of child abuse and the health and safety of adults and children.

The money donated from Wal-Mart will go into the club’s community service funds for 2009.

The Dawson County Woman’s Club will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Young Life is a nation-wide Christian ministry organization for high school students that encourages wholesome lifestyles.

“The mission of Young Life is to introduce young people to Christ and help them grow in their faith,” said Bill Burt, former chairman of the Dawson County Young Life committee.

They have club meetings weekly at “His Rock Café,” located inside the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville.

“At these meetings the youth participate in praise and worship sessions, skits, and hear a gospel message,” said Burt.

Burt helped Young Life get started in Dawson County in 2001, and is now serving as a committee member. 

“This really is a great organization and I am proud to see it in Dawson County,” said Burt.

“We are so blessed that Wal-Mart is able to give us this money and are able to give it (money) away to good organizations that deserve it. We try to look each year and see where we went the year before. We are just glad to be a part of this. Wal-Mart is really into giving back to the community, and we really appreciate all that you do for Dawson County,” Burt said to Bennett.

“We really appreciate what Wal-Mart does,” added Cavanaugh.

“I think it is really perceptive of Wal-Mart to let organizations that are so aware of the needs of the community make use of the money, instead of just making a donation to a particular cause,” she added.

E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.