Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Troup County launched a donation drive Monday for the Accountability Store to benefit family treatment court participants.

Donations will be used to stock the store, which was opened in November exclusively to program participants.

The store opened on Nov. 6 as a way to engage and provide tangible rewards for participants of the Family Treatment Court by providing them with convenient access to low-priced household items in exchange for thriving in the program.

The accountability store, located in the basement of the Troup County Juvenile Courthouse, is looking for cleaning supplies and basic needs donations. The following items are encouraged for suggested donations, including but not limited to, body wash/soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, hand soap, dish soap, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, window cleaner, toilet cleaner, deodorant, laundry detergent, tissues, etc.

According to a news release from the county, the goal of the treatment court to provide parents suffering with drug addiction the opportunity to receive the services and treatment they need to improve their quality of life and ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

During the duration of the program, participants are required to appear in court twice monthly before Judge Michael Key, attend intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment and life skills training classes, and submit to random and frequent drug screens. The program offers weekly rewards and acknowledgments for doing well and reaching “star” status, including “Accountability Bucks” that can be spent in the Accountability Store. The store is not open to the public.

In response to the financial burden that many participants face during treatment, Key and Accountability Court staff members developed the accountability store to ease the financial strain on families, while providing steady motivation and encouragement.

“The store will certainly make a positive, long-term difference in the lives of the Family Treatment Court participants and their families as they travel their road to recovery.” Judge Key said Monday.

Donations can be made on the first floor of the Troup County Government Center, located at 100 Ridley Avenue, in LaGrange. According to a news release from the county, the donation drive for the store will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 28.