Winder Police Department to Host Finish Line Event for Special Olympics Fundraiser

Special Olympics Georgia's "Flame of Hope" will blaze through Winder on Friday, and several members of the will have the honor of carrying the torch. 

The event is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest grassroots fundraising program for Special Olympics Georgia. 

Winder officers will begin the run at 8:30 a.m. at and travel with the torch to , where they will hand the torch off to student athletes who have been selected to participate in this year's Special Olympic Summer Games — Russell is the only school in Barrow County sending a team to this year's event. 

The Special Olympics soccer team will carry the torch for a lap around the athletic field in front of the school. From there, officers will continue the run to the finish line, which will be set up at the former People’s Bank Operations Center on Midland Avenue. The run is expected to end about 9 a.m. and the finish line will serve as a fundraising site — several anonymous individuals have pledged a total of $600 to see Winder Police Chief Dennis Dorsey eat a donut in uniform. 

Winder Police Officer Missy Towe has been instrumental in organizing local fundraising efforts. As the parent of a child with special needs, Special Olympics Georgia is something very dear to her heart. 

The department is still accepting donations to support the cause. Barrow County residents who would like to show their Special Olympics spirit can do so by making a donation online or stopping by the Winder Police Department to contribute. Checks should be made out to Special Olympics Georgia. 

Donations will be accepted through July 15. 

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