A local group has wrapped knitted scarves around trees and signposts in downtown Columbus as a way to draw attention to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Granny Connection encourages awareness of Africa’s grandmothers and their struggle in the fight against the deadly disease by building support through grandmothers in Columbus. Volunteers walked up and down Washington Street Wednesday evening, placing scarves for those who need or want them. The scarves contain a message of encouragement to remember those battling HIV/AIDS.

The Granny Connection says that it supports the Power of Love Foundation by strengthening affected communities in Matero, Zambia financially. The organization says that is done by “empowering women and grandmothers to become self-reliant.” These women are provided with resources such as micro-loans, business training, food, medicines and healthcare services for their HIV-positive grandchildren.

Thursday, Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. To mark this day, “A Conversation with Bryan C. Jones” will be held at the Columbus Learning Center from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jones is described as a “Dramatist and AIDS Activist.”

For more on this event, as well as the Granny Connection, visit www.grannyconnection.org.