With $42,000 cut from next year's operating budget at the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Paul Volz was especially happy to attend the Aiken Horsepower Association Cruise-In on Dec. 6.

"We love Aiken Horsepower. They've supported us for years and years," said Mr. Volz, the Cumbee Center's volunteer and events coordinator, who was on hand for a $5,000 check presentation.

Each month, Barbara Gunter and members of the car club put together the cruise-ins in The Home Depot parking lot on Whiskey Road. While people view cars of various makes and models, the club runs a raffle and silent auction of items donated by The Home Depot.

"We like to keep the money here in Aiken," said Ms. Gunter, the car club's president.

Several members of the Aiken Horsepower Association are volunteers or members of the Cumbee Center's board of directors. The car club has supported the Cumbee Center since 2003. Because of the close association between the groups, Ms. Gunter feels confident in donating to the charity.

"We know where our donations go," she said.

Mr. Volz said much of the center's funding comes through state and federal grants and are earmarked for specific uses.

"What's great about this is it's unspecified," he said.

The association's donation can go toward office supplies or to help families with Christmas, he said. The center has many programs to help victims of domestic violence. It offers long- and short-term counseling and emergency shelter.

"We serve six counties," he said.

On Dec. 6, the shelter was at maximum capacity, with eight families residing there.

The next cruise-in will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at The Home Depot parking lot.

For more information on the association, call (803) 648-4761. For information on the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, call (803) 649-0480.

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.