In recent editions of our newspaper, you have probably seen pictures of local people giving PEECH grants to teachers in Chilton County’s public schools. These grants, called Partners Enhancing Education in Chilton County grants, are given by the Chilton Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 for the sole purpose of helping teachers help students.

It was the Alabama Power Foundation that helped CEF get established with about $15,000 each year. Starting in 2002, CEF began raising its funds independently from local resources.

We are fortunate to have organizations like CEF, as well as the individuals, groups and corporations that donate to their cause. The funds they give to our teachers help purchase useful classroom materials that provide unique opportunities for our kids that they might otherwise miss out on.

It’s great that generous people are still willing to help our schools, especially in our troubled economy.