While writing a story about Chilton Leadership for The Clanton Advertiser’s upcoming Progress edition, I talked with people who, even having lived in Chilton County their whole lives, were able to learn things about their home through the Leadership program.

Chilton Leadership is a joint effort between the Chilton Research and Extension Center and the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce. Community members are selected to participate in the program, which seeks to build knowledge and relationships for local leaders.

The program consists of several day-long sessions, which focus on topics such as education, history and public safety.

Each Leadership class also develops and executes a project to benefit the community. This year’s class, which includes myself, is organizing the Have a Heart Donation Drive from 1-5 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Chilton County YMCA.

All proceeds raised from the event will benefit local charities Child Protect and Chilton County Humane Society.

More details can be found in the story that appeared in the Friday, Feb. 8 edition of the newspaper and by visiting the “Have a Heart Donation Drive” Facebook page.

I encourage everyone to support these charities by attending the event. It’s sure to be a lot of fun and will benefit some great local organizations.

Also, check out the story about the Chilton Leadership program itself—and many other stories about Chilton County—in the Progress edition, which will publish in the Weekend, Feb. 24 newspaper.

Progress is the Advertiser’s most significant effort each year, and we hope this year’s edition will carry on the tradition of being a publication that is a great resource for the people of Chilton County.

Dawkins is managing editor for The Clanton Advertiser. He can be reached at stephen.dawkins@clantonadvertiser.com.