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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

Chilton County Relay for Life will have its first fiscal meeting of the 2023 year on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at Clanton Church of Christ. The meeting will kick-off the discussion on topics such as new fundraising ideas, entertainment and organizing a leadership team. One of the hopeful contributions to the meeting will also be adding new committee members to the Chilton Relay for Life Team.

“Right now, there are only four to five committee members that volunteer,” said Joy Brigham, American Cancer Society representative. “There are so many wonderful things that we could do but we just do not have the manpower. We would like to add about 10 more members to the team and are looking for volunteers in the community who are passionate about fighting cancer. They must be driven by that passion. They can have any skill-set or expertise … We need help with planning the Survivor Celebration, Luminaria Ceremony, fundraising, sponsorship, team recruitment and entertainment. If someone says, ‘I am just a graphic designer,’ that is great! They can help design our flyers!”

In addition to funding cancer research, Relay for Life provides many other amenities to cancer patients including those in Chilton County. Relay for Life fundraising helps with providing transportation vouchers and free lodging to cancer patients and caregivers. According to the American Cancer Society, this year alone, Chilton County residents have stayed a total of 210 nights at Hope Lodge locations, saving an estimated $26,200 in lodging for local residents alone.

“Volunteers that are interested in becoming part of the committee can invest as much time as they want to,” said Brigham. “If you only have 10 minutes, we can use your help for those 10 minutes.”

Future meeting dates and times will also be discussed at the meeting.

For more information, contact Brigham at 334-790-0372. Clanton Church of Christ is located at 1111 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.