Western Carolina Community Action (WCCA) is an organization that began providing summer Head Start programs in Henderson and Transylvania counties in 1966. There was no Early Head Start program in Polk County until funds became available in 2009. WCCA applied for a grant for 120 additional places, to include 32 Polk County children. The Columbus Children’s Center was opened with Early Head Start services of health and development screenings, parent education, high quality child care, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences provided to families. David White, president of WCCA, recently spoke about this effort to members of the Tryon Kiwanis Club, along with several members of the staff. Pictured above (left to right) are Kiwanian Ed Komorous, Jonathan Stanley, Kimberly Bryan, David White of WCCA and Steve Cobb. The children’s book “The Big Hare” will be donated to the Columbus Children’s Center in honor of the WCCA staff. (photo submitted)