The new location combining the Toys ‘R Us and Babies ‘R Us brands will hold its grand opening Friday, Oct. 12 at 11801 W. Broad St. Giveaways, discounts, kid-friendly activities and visits from popular costumed characters will continue throughout the weekend, Oct. 12-14. In conjunction with the grand opening, the Toys ‘R Us Children’s Fund has awarded a $10,000 grant to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia to support wish fulfillment in Richmond-area communities.

***

The Virginia Water Well Association (VWWA) recently donated a new water well to the ACE (Another Chance to Excel) Program. When ACE approached Curtis Drilling about the cost of a well for ACE’s Urban Garden Program, owner Curtis Bordewyk decided to nominate ACE as the potential recipient of a new well gifted during the VWWA’s Annual Training Day Event. The training day is designed to help the men and women engaged in the water well construction industry meet the challenges of the ever-changing technology used in well construction. On Sept. 28, at the Creighton Road campus of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 150 student drillers received instruction on well drilling and pump testing. VWWA then gifted the well, used in its demonstration, to ACE. The ACE Program is an organization that aids ex-offenders and disadvantaged youth with their transition back into the community.

***

On Saturday, Oct. 6, participating Southern States locations will offer specially marked “pink” items for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Use the store locator at http://www.southerstates.com to find a participating location.