Because of interest expressed by town employees and also by council members to assist Haiti earthquake victims, the town is collecting donations to send to the red cross following Valentine’s Day in the name of citizens of Holly Springs. Residents also are invited to donate to the Holly Springs to Haiti Relief Fund.

“There’s been interest in (donating to help victims) by town council members and staff members,” said town Public Information Officer Mark Andrews. “We thought this was an opportunity to enable town council members and staff to help but also involve the community. That way, we could increase the amount of donations that were available to Haiti.”

Donations can be made directly to the Holly Springs to Haiti Relief account at Crescent State Bank or mailed to the town (Holly Springs to Haiti Relief Fund c/o Town of Holly Springs; PO Box 8, Holly Springs, 27540). Checks should be made out to “Holly Springs to Haiti Relief.”

“We’d like to maximize the community’s ability to help people in Haiti,” Andrews said.

During last week’s Holly Springs Town Council meeting, Councilman Parrish Womble asked if the town could legally donate money to other countries. The town attorney said using tax revenue was not an authorized expenditure. By setting up a separate account, donations from staff, council members and citizens are collected apart from any town funds.

“In the case of our employees, I think they all want to help out some,” said Carl Dean, town manager.

Donations are requested by Feb. 14.