Two local schools that work with special needs students and the Easter Seals, which plans to open the Special Needs Adult Care Center here Dec. 1, received donations from the Tifton Optimist Club Friday. Others in the community are encouraged to donate items needed for SNACC.

As part of its Youth Appreciation Month celebration, the Optimist Club contributed $500 each to programs at Tift County High School and Northeast Campus of TCHS that serve special needs students. Also, Easter Seals received $500 to benefit the SNACC.

Easter Seals of Southern Georgia offers a variety of programs and services that help people with special needs be able to live quality lives with some independence.

According to Beth English, executive director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Inc., SNACC is an expansion of the agency’s Solutions day program that currently serves four people. She said that the agency has already taken referrals and met with eight families interested in using the day center, which will be located at 121 S. Tift Ave., Suite C.

“The program will be a combination of life skills, recreation and leisure activities and it will also include work,” English said. “The participants will be able to be involved in a working environment according to interests and abilities.”

People 18 years old and older with disabilities who are leaving special education programs offered in schools could qualify to participate in the SNACC program. Typically, those who have developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and mental retardation are served.

English said the day program will include many community activities, including exercise, music, recreation and field trips.

Anyone interested in applying for the services can contact Easter Seals at 1-200-365-4583 and ask for English or Gloria Reed. Anyone who wishes to make a tax-deductible donation can send a check to Easter Seals, 1906 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701 or call 229-439-7061.

“We can always use funds to help with scholarships for families,” English said.

Other items needed to furnish and supply the SNACC include: two computers and a printer; a television set and DVD player; movies rated G or PG; art supplies; refrigerator; two bistro tales and chairs for the porch; book shelves; magazines; craft supplies; CD player and music; card games; board games; paper towels; tissue; plates; napkins; cups; two benches for front entrance; a sofa; a love seat; and a coffee table.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.