The Williston-Elko Community Resource Center took another step toward reality with the flourish of a pen.

In Barnwell Attorney Pete Kulmala's office Sept. 28, Robert O. Collins signed a deed giving about 4.5 acres of land for where the $2.5 million facility will be located.

The center will sit behind the Williston Library on Academy Street, said Freddie Houston, the Williston-Elko Community Resource Center board chairman.

The building will be approximately 16,000 to 20,000 feet, said Houston.

The facility will provide the area with a meeting place for community events and social activities, education programs and job training, he said.

The signing puts the center on solid legal ground and now the committee can concentrate on fundraising events.

"We have about $250,000 so far," said Houston.

Both the Williston and Elko Town Councils and county agencies are supporting the project, he said.

The center will feature a fitness center; a computer lab; a conference room with state-of-art equipment; a kitchenette; a waiting room for small children; and office space which could house state or local agencies, said Houston.

Collins told the committee he would help them with the project and he has been a staunch supporter and donor to the center, said Houston.

"He (Collins) told us that we had two years to prove we were sincere about it," said Houston.

"I commended you from the beginning; you have an uphill battle," said Collins to Houston after signing the deed.

But Collins remains optimistic on fundraising efforts.

"Once you get going and you show folks - things will start moving," said Collins.

And board vice chairman Michael Benjamin is counting on community support for the center.

"We desperately need the community support," said Benjamin.

Houston said the committee is applying for a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

He said he hopes to eventually raise $1 million through fundraising.

Williston resident Kulmala lent his time and legal services to help with the deed.

Collins has been involved in humanitarian and community projects in the past.

In 2005, he donated the Blackville Country Club and golf course to the Blackville-Hilda school district.

When renovations to the course and clubhouse are complete, the Blackville-Hilda Public School Golf Learning facility will open.

Collins was also instrumental in renovating the gymnasium in the Blackville Community Center during his time on Barnwell County Council.

The Williston-Elko Community Resource Center non-profit board meets the first Monday of each month, 6 p.m., at Williston Town Hall. The next meeting is Oct. 5.