COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. — Several businesses in Columbia County are stepping up to support the families of the two officers who were shot on Saturday night. In a show of solidarity, local business owners are holding fundraising events and donating portions of their sales to assist the families during this difficult time.

Taqueria El Ray, with locations in Augusta and Grovetown, is holding a spirit day on May 15th, where a percentage of the sales will go to the officers’ families. Ramiro Galvan, the owner of El Ray, expressed a personal connection to the local law enforcement. “We get a lot of police officers coming through here, and we kind of feel like we are part of the family,” Galvan said. The event aims to raise funds and offer support to the families who are grieving.

Similarly, Vampire Penguin in Grovetown is contributing to the cause by donating 20 percent of all proceeds on May 7th. Steven Studdard, the owner of Vampire Penguin, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community in tough times. “We’re just happy to be able to give back what we can, and we hope it helps the families at this time,” Studdard shared.

The Pelicans, a restaurant in Grovetown, has also joined the effort by donating 20 percent of all sales through this Friday to the family of Deputy Gavin White, one of the officers affected. Joseph Christie, owner of Pelicans, explained their close connection to White’s family, having become good friends with the deputy’s father. “That’s when we met Mike, who owns the tint shop next door, and we’ve just become great friends ever since,” Christie said. Pelicans’ sister business, Christie’s Coffee in Harlem, will also contribute by donating a portion of its sales Wednesday through Friday, in partnership with Reeves Realty, to help both officers’ families.

In addition to these local businesses, the Shepard Community Blood Center is hosting a special blood drive on Wednesday, with all donations benefiting hospitals across the CSRA. For every donation made, Shepard will contribute $20 to the White family. Benjamin Prijatel, CEO of Shepard Community Blood Center, noted the overwhelming support from the community. “We’ve had a lot of people turn out today. We know this is something the community wants to help with. They’re excited to participate in it,” Prijatel said. Despite the somber reason behind the blood drive, Prijatel emphasized the importance of the community’s collective efforts.

These are just a few of the businesses and organizations in the area that are offering their support during a time of great tragedy. Local residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in these efforts, helping to ease the burdens of the families affected by this devastating event.