It has been a number of years since Bainbridge has experienced a holiday tour of homes, but this year the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia is sponsoring a Christmas Tour of Homes, featuring five historic residences, three churches and the newly remodeled City Hall.
The self-guided tours will be Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will begin at the Gazebo in Willis Park on the square.
A brief history of each of the locations, as well as a description of the architecture and décor, will be published in The Post Searchlight each week between now and Dec. 7
Tickets are $25 and must be purchased online with a credit card or debit card by going to the website www.samaritancounselingswga.org and clicking on “Tour of Homes.” Electronic confirmation is available and tickets can then be picked up at the “Will Call” table in the park, where maps and detailed information will be available. Organizers say the tours will happen “rain or shine,” and shoe covers will be available at each home in case of rain.
All proceeds go to help fund the Samaritan Counseling Center, which opened its doors in May, 2007.
According to information provided by Ann Brannen, spokesperson for Samaritan Counseling, the organization currently spends more than $2500 a month to subsidize client fees and allow all, regardless of financial situation, to receive professional counseling services.
The center, located at 208 S. Broad St., Bainbridge, offers help for a variety of  personal concerns, including family conflict.
Brannen said it is necessary to raise additional funding in order for the center to continue to offer the services as it has been.
Featured homes are:
• Tim and Carla Smith
• Edward and Tanya Reynolds
• Peggy and Ramsay Simmons
• Missy and Reese Rollins
• Mary Lynn and Avery White
The churches featured will be the First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church, all located in the downtown historic district on Shotwell Street.