Chilton County is known for many things. Agriculture, especially peaches, and hard-working residents top the list.

Anyone who lives here or knows much about the county can also tell you that there is another item that belongs on that list: a willingness to help.

Community members have always been quick to come to the aid of someone in need, a fact that was proven again recently by the response to the annual Relay For Life effort.

Relay For Life raises money through a 12-hour event that features performances, special ceremonies including the Luminaria Lap, and fun and games.

A new highlight of the event this year, which was held April 30, was 14 girls donating their hair on stage (another donor could not attend the actual event) to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which is a partnership with the American Cancer Society to provide wigs to cancer patients.

As of the conclusion of the event, the fundraising total reached $154,484—over the goal of $153,000.

The top Relay fundraising team was Pleasant Grove Baptist No. 1, which donated over $13,000; followed closely by Mineral Springs Baptist Church with $12,900 and West End Baptist Church with over $12,000.

The top school was Maplesville High School with over $8,500 in donations.

The top individual was Nancy Sewell with $6,550; followed closely by Debbie Vinzant with $6,350.

We hope the community will join us in thanking these donors and all those who made contributions to this worthwhile cause.

Chilton County can always be counted on to help.