By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The YMCA of Chilton County celebrated the kickoff of the A Better Us Campaign with a balloon release on April 4.

Campaign chair Lindsey Payton said “each child made a wish about an opportunity or an event they would like to have happen at the YMCA” before releasing their biodegradable balloon.

“The balloons rising signify the opportunities for each child to rise above and beyond what they have imagined or wished for,” Payton said.

The goal for this year is to raise $15,000 in the month of April. Payton said the goal was to provide “the best possible opportunities for Chilton County youth.”

“In leading this campaign, we are striving to improve youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all our participants,” Payton said.

YMCA board members have organized teams to ask community members and businesses to donate.

“A lot of our classes are setting goals that they would like to raise at least $500, $600 to support a child,” Payton said.

Some of the funds raised will be used to provide scholarships to students for the afterschool and summer programs as well as improvements to these programs.

“We really want to provide opportunities to children in the summer who may not otherwise get opportunities to go places and do things that our summer camps provide them,” Payton said.

The campaign funds will also be used for equipment and facility upgrades.

Payton said the plan is for the campaign fundraising to be an annual event, and be emphasized more than it has been in the past.

Donations to the campaign can be made by calling 205-755-3582 or in person at the YMCA building on Ollie Avenue.

Community members can also get involved by participating in the YMCA’s Everyday Hero 5K 1 Mile Fun Run on April 22. Cost to register for the 5K is $25 before April 21 or $30 the day of the race. The YMCA will provide childcare if needed. Cost to register for the fun run is $15 before April 21st or $20 on the day of the race.