Harkleroad Diamonds & Fine Jewelry presented a check at its holiday open house held on Saturday, December 1 at 3 p.m. to Senior Citizens, Inc. for Sterling Rides, a service that provides transportation for personal errands to seniors who are unable to drive themselves. To increase awareness of the program and to recruit drivers, volunteer applications can be picked up at the Senior Citizens office on Bull St. at Washington Ave.

The donation follows Saturday’s accident in which Christina Wands, 84, crashed her car into the store. She narrowly missed the owner’s 16-month-old child, who was thrown three feet but was unharmed, and two employees, who also were not injured. Owner Marion Harkleroad sustained injuries from the impact of his desk hitting him. Wand was not injured and has been charged with reckless driving. Her family has unsuccessfully tried to have her license revoked. The story has attracted national media attention.

Also at the event, the winner of an essay contest to win an engagement ring was announced. The winner of a ring valued at $8000 was Patricia Brantley of Estill, SC. She met her significant other 15 years ago. She has been waiting for the right

The runner up, who won a $1600 engagement ring, was Alessandro Griffith. He and his wife got married without an engagement or wedding ring. Earlier this year, his wife became pregnant and he lost his job. They moved to Savannah to live with his mother-in-law while they get back on their feet. To provide for his family, Alessandro has decided to join the Navy. He will begin his tour of duty in May, four days before his wife’s due date.