The Friends of Washington Street Community Center continues to grow and 36 donors have pledged more than $3,000 in 2010.

The group was started last year by Doug Vason, the owner of Vason Concrete Construction in Atlanta, who pledged to set aside $1 every day in 2009 to donate to WSCC. He was joined in that daily donation by James and Clifton Nolley, owners of James and Clifton’s Styling Salon on Emory Street, who each set aside 25 cents every day to give to the center. Frequent barber shop customer and friend Nathanial Tyler also pledged 25 cents every day.

Vason, the Nolleys and Tyler set out to recruit as many new members as possible, with Vason hoping to raise $5,000 by calendar year 2011. In only its second year, the Friends of WSCC is off to a fast start.

"Most people I’ve recruited, I’ve just asked them and they’ve been really receptive.," Vason said. "We’re still trying to get 100 members by the end of the year. We need to highlight that we still need more friends."

The group is not official but is simply a supportive group of people working with WSCC. Donating a quarter per day, adds up to $91 per year, and Vason said a couple of members have already gone ahead and donated $100.

"Some are doing more, some are doing less. Some are donating a dollar a day, like myself and my wife, some are only doing a dime. We just ask you give whatever you can," Vason said.

The money will go toward WSCC’s general operating budget. To learn more about the program or how to donate call WSCC at (770) 786-4002, Vason at (770) 633-1940 or visit the center at 4138 School St. in Covington. WSCC conducts after school tutoring and other enrichment programs.

For a full list of donors visit covnews.com.