By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The United Way of Chilton County presented each public-school principal with a check on Sept. 25 for $250 to be used for the school in any way needed.

United Way board member Yolanda Fox said the organization also gave $500 to the Child Nutrition Program for a fund set up for students who may need it when their account runs out of money.

The amounts to each of the schools represented a $50 increase from last year.

Fox said this was possible through an increase in donations.

“Someone sent out a challenge for all the teachers to make donations,” Fox said of the increase.

Fox said it was Clanton Middle School Principal Carla Moss who put out the challenge.

Isabella High School Principal Ricky Porter said the funds will be put in an account for students who have specific needs, such as needy clothes after a house fire.

Thorsby High School Principal Corey Clements said the money will be put in a fund to help pay for school supplies and field trips for students who cannot afford them.

United Way Board Chair Mary Mell Smith thanked the administrators and the school system for all they do.

“We appreciate what you do as teachers and principals,” Smith said. “We do appreciate what you do for our kids … Everybody in this room has a chance to give to United Way. The Board of Education really does support United Way.”

The United Way of Chilton County is in the middle off its annual campaign. The goal this year is $175,000.

Local businesses are also being encouraged to allow for payroll deductions to go to United Way.

For information on how to make a donation, call (205) 755-5875 or visit unitedway.org/local/united-states/alabama/chilton-county-united-way or the organization’s Facebook page.