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Hearts, wallets open up on Giving Tuesday By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Supporters of The Place of Forsyth came through in a big way on Giving Tuesday. The Cumming nonprofit that provides assistance to people and families in financial difficulty, raised more than $78,000 in one day. The total includes a match of $20,000 from an anonymous donor. Jacob Granados, director of Purposeful Engagement for The Place, said the funding serves as a kick-start to the organization’s Year-End Giving Campaign. “We’re very grateful for the generosity of the community,” Granados said. The drive comes on the heals of the nonprofit’s success in providing Thanksgiving meals to 400 families. FILE PHOTO In addition to stocking its food and The Place of Forsyth in Cumming has been collecting toys for children in families clothing stores, the organization is that are facing economic challenges this holiday season. Qualified parents will shop gearing up for its annual 7th annual the assortment of items Dec. 13 to take home and wrap for their kids. Holiday House to provide toys for children in families challenged by econom- shopping begins Dec. 13. Toys donated to forego making phone calls seeking donations. after the cutoff will be preserved for ic hardship. Granados said The Place “It was a very sad day for us befuture allocations for needy families. already has more than 1,800 children You can learn more about the effort cause we actually did send an email registered to receive gifts. out to all our followers and posted on “Our qualified families are given the and contribute by visiting theplaceofFacebook,” said Wendy Hamilton, Deforsyth.org/holidayhouse. opportunity to shop, using points to velopment manager for the nonprofit. Things were more solemn at Bald choose the gifts that they take home to Bald Ridge Lodge provides a safe Ridge Lodge on Giving Tuesday. their kids,” Granados said. haven and counseling for boys who are Staff learned of the death of Through Dec. 9, toy donations longtime Program Director Barbara can be dropped off at various locaKastner the day before and decided tions throughout Forsyth County, and See NON-PROFITS, Page 5
Forsyth County plans holiday events throughout December BY ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — December is here, and the holiday season has begun. With many decorating their
homes and purchasing gifts for incoming friends and family members, holiday events are scheduled throughout the month for the whole family to enjoy together. Forsyth County residents can plan
on attending several seasonal events sponsored by the City of Cumming. Here are some holiday gatherings that you won’t want to miss to help you and
See EVENTS, Page 6
County proposes town hall to discuss Denmark Park future By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — County commissioners say they plan to host a town hall meeting to clarify issues about the fate of Denmark Park and a possible land swap with owners of the Polo Fields. The arrangement, still in the exploratory phase, provides Forsyth County would trade about 50 acres of undeveloped land within the park off Windy Hill Drive for about 39 acres at the Polo Fields — land that includes six existing soccer fields. Right now, close to 1,300 area youth participate in recreation programs at the Polo Fields through county affiliate organization UFA. The county leases the fields from the property owners, and UFA pays the county for their use. UFA also pays to maintain the soccer fields. The Polo Fields owners notified the county three years ago they want to close the operation and sell the land. When the county found the sale price too expensive, it opted to buy the 81-acre property for Denmark Park four miles to the south. Speaking at the Dec. 2 Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Todd Levent said he’s been
See PARK, Page 17