By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

First United Methodist Church in Clanton is selling poinsettias to raise money for the United Methodist Children’s Home of Alabama.

The church is selling the flowers for $15 each, according to Elisabeth Smith.

Smith works with FUMC and is in charge of the fundraiser. According to her, the poinsettias will be delivered in early December and remain on the altar of the church until Christamas Eve.

“It helps evoke the beautiful Christmas spirit,” said Smith.

Flowers may be purchased in memory of a loved one, and their name will be listed in the church’s January newsletter.

All proceeds from the sale of the flowers will go to the United Methodist Children’s Home.

“They not only provide refuge for children who may not have a home, but they also provide services to help families get back on the right track,” said Smith.

The United Methodist Children’s Home has multiple locations in Alabama and provides services to the entire state. They house children in group homes and teen centers, provide foster care and transitional living programs, and host intervention programs to help keep children in their homes.

According to Smith, the UMCH also offers scholarships to young people in their care and those who live with an aunt or uncle due to difficult situations involving their parents.

Anyone who wishes to buy poinsettias can contact FUMC at 205-755-0490 and ask for Elisabeth Smith. Flowers will be available for pickup after the Christmas Eve services. The contemporary service is at 5 p.m. and the traditional is at 6:30 p.m.