Mary Mansker heard the Newton County Library System was short on money, so she and the Surrey Chase neighborhood Bunco group decided they would help by donating money from their monthly game gathering.

The group has been meeting for two years, playing for small prizes. Given the economic downturn, members decided they should each chip in $5, and each month's hostess would then get to donate half of the money to a charity of his or her choice.

The group only has 12 members, so the donations aren't large, but local non-profits are glad for any help they can get.

"I chose the library because I'm a member of Satsuki Garden Club and we work with the library a lot. I love the library and want to help it as much as I can," Mansker said. The library was very grateful, and Mansker said she plans to donate to the library again next time she hosts.

The Bunco group has also donated to area food banks, homeless shelters, churches and other faith-based organizations.

As for why they play Bunco, well, it's easy to play and requires players to rotate between partners, so there's plenty of opportunity to socialize without hampering the game.