Chilton County High School has started several ways to cope with a decrease in state funding as a result of the national economic downturn.

A recycling program has been instituted, with various extracurricular groups responsible for recycling different kinds of materials.

The Color Guard is responsible for aluminum cans, Scholars Bowl and Advanced Placement classes for drink pouches, the volleyball team for tape rolls and plastic tape dispensers, SADD for ink cartridges, the computer club for gum packages and agriscience for composting of biodegradable lawn and food waste.

Also, the CCHS library is sponsoring a book drive during Open House on Oct. 12 from noon to 7 p.m.

The library is asking for new or gently used (hardcover or paperback) copies of works by the following authors: Nicholas Sparks, Alyson Noel, Stephanie Meyer, Ted Dekker, C.S. Lewis, Michael Young, Mitch Albom, L.J. Smith, William P. Young, Karen Kingsbury, Christopher Paolini, J.K. Rowling, Lois Duncan and Dave Pelzer.

Monetary donations for the purchase of books and accompanying instructional materials are welcomed, too.

The library is also sponsoring a “loose change drive,” where students and parents are encouraged to donate any loose change. Money raised will go toward the purchase of Accelerated Reader tests to accompany the books in the library. Each AR test costs $2.99.

Parents and community members wishing to make donations or to support any of these efforts are invited to attend the CCHS Open House on Oct. 12 or to visit the terracycle website at terracycle.net or make contributions directly to the school by sending materials for recycling with a student or dropping them off at the main office.

For more information, email Jennifer Blencowe at jtapley@chilton.k12.al.us or visit the CCHS website.