SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Office of Financial Aid has organized a new initiative - FAFSA Fridays.

At select times, on designated Fridays, Financial Aid staff members will be available to assist students and/or their parent(s) completing and submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA Fridays begin March 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each student who receives assistance completing the FAFSA in the Office of Financial Aid during these weeks, not just on Fridays, will have the opportunity to enter his or her name in a drawing for a door prize. The door prizes are donations made from various organizations on campus.

"It is designed to raise awareness of the importance of completing the FAFSA as early as possible so students are considered for as much aid as possible," said Julie Ahouse, CCCC's Financial Aid Assistant Director.

"We believe creating an environment of cooperation and solidarity throughout the community college is not only vital to the success of the Office of Financial Aid, but to the college in its entirety," said Ahouse. "We will continue to make a concerted effort to make students, faculty and staff aware. We are here to support and embrace and share in their positive efforts at Central Carolina Community College."

Central Carolina Community College also will provide assistance to students and their parents during FAFSA Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lee County Campus Science Building's Academic Learning Center.

For more information about FAFSA Fridays or the CCCC Financial Aid office, call 919-718-7229 or visit www.cccc.edu/financialaid. The CCCC Financial Aid office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.

For more information about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.