COLUMBUS – When a mother flees her home for Steps to HOPE because of domestic violence, her children often come with her.

Steps to HOPE, Polk County’s domestic violence shelter, has a playground as a safe and happy place for children to play but the equipment is currently old and broken.

Girl Scouts in Polk County recently donated $150 to go towards replacing the equipment, which was a start to a project that will continue during the Columbus Fabulous Fourth Celebration, on Tuesday, July 4 downtown.

Steps to HOPE will have a booth with gifts for all who stop by as well as information about the organization’s services. Girl Scouts will also be on hand at the booth to collect Lowe’s gift cards to add funding to their playground rejuvenation project.

Lowe’s gift cards are being collected because the girls are not allowed to ask for cash donations.

Lowe’s gift cards can be purchased at area grocery and drug stores with Steps to HOPE officials saying any donation will be greatly appreciated. Cash or check can also be given directly to Steps to HOPE by marking it specifically for the purpose of the playground rejuvenation and giving it to Steps to HOPE by either dropping it off at Steps to HOPE, giving it at the booth at the Fabulous 4^th celebration next Tuesday, or by mailing it to P.O. Box 518, Columbus, NC 28722. Donations to Steps to HOPE are tax deductible.

Steps to HOPE is the area’s domestic violence and sexual assault treatment and prevention center serving western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. If you or someone you know is being abused, call 828-894-2340 for help.