While the big game is in Waynesboro, West Jones and Wayne County high schools will be competing off the football field as well this week. Both schools are doing fund drives to benefit the United Way and the American Red Cross of the Pine Belt Region.

The schools will be collecting this week and there will representatives at the gates Friday for the football game. An annual traveling plaque will be given to the school who donates the most money to help their neighbors through the United Way and Red Cross each year.

“One of our Board members from Wayne County brought this idea to us and we talked with the United Way and agreed to split the collection between the two agencies,” said Peggy Owens-Mansfield, Executive Director of the Pine Belt Red Cross. “After contacting both schools and school administrative offices, it was agreed we could do this. We have Red Cross Youth at both schools and they are on board to help at their home schools.” Mansfield added Red Cross Board members will “man the buckets” Friday night at the gates to the field as well.

“We have always had such a good relationship with both the Jones and Wayne county school systems and it seems like a good way for the community and the students to get involved in helping their neighbors who may face various crisis situations in their lives,” said Mansfield.

“It seems the contest on the field will have a sidebar this Friday night. Look for the bucket brigade and make a donation for either Wayne County or West Jones and help our community, as well as support your favorite school.”