Dozens of Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies, their families and others volunteered countless hours building and operating the Zombieland Haunted house for several weeks during the month of October. That time out of their otherwise busy schedules was given with the knowledge that the money raised went for worthwhile programs with the Sheriff’s Youth Initiatives.

On Friday, one of those programs received some of the fruits of that labor as Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell, along with Sgt. James Womack and Anna Banks presented Open Door Home of Rome President Greta Wilson with a check for $1,800.

 The funds will be used for various needs of the Open Door Home.

“Those needs are many,” said Wilson. “Currently there is a need to repair the gutters which are falling off many of the buildings, as well as painting of the exterior.”  

Wilson said in addition to the support they receive, they must raise an additional $300,000 to $350,000 a year just to cover the basic needs of the facility and serve the children who live there.

Said Wilson, “You never know when a van is going to break down or the plumbing is going to fail. It’s always a struggle.”

Caldwell said, “the Floyd County Sheriff’s Youth Initiatives are a way for the sheriff’s office to maintain a positive presence in the community. We do this because we have a responsibility not only to serve in a law enforcement capacity but also to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

 Other beneficiaries of the funds raised through Zombieland are the Fraternal Order of Police Shop with Santa Cops program, Sheriff’s Santa, Sheriff’s Santa for seniors and the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes. To learn more about the FCSO Youth Initiatives or the FCSO, visit their website at www.FloydSheriff.com, visit their Facebook at facebook.com/floydsheriff or call 706-291-4111.